LIVER-ABSCESS AFTER HEMORRHOIDECTOMY - REPORT OF 2 CASES

PURPOSE: Pyogenic liver abscess after hemorrhoidectomy is extremely ra re. Only two such cases have been previously reported; the diagnosis i n each was made intraoperatively. We report two additional cases of he patic abscess after hemorrhoidectomy, both treated nonoperatively with a successful outcome. METHODS: The two cases were analyzed for histor y, presentation, laboratory data, radiologic studies, and bacteriology . RESULTS: In both cases, the patients presented within one week of th e hemorrhoidectomy. Treatment with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiot ics was successful in achieving significant clinical improvement. The liver function test values reverted back to normal and followup comput ed tomography (CT) scans of the liver revealed marked improvement of t he abscesses. Laparotomy was avoided in both of the patients. CONCLUSI ONS: Increased awareness of this serious complication will afford earl ier diagnosis. In addition, proper aerobic and anaerobic bacterial iso lation techniques will allow appropriate nonoperative therapy, decreas ing the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with this compli cation.