Background: Liver abscess is a burning problem in tropical countries with often lethal consequence and diagnostic/therapeutic challenges. We have determined etiopathological, clinical, radiological and bacteriological characteristics of this condition and review its management strategies.

Material and Methods : During the period of 24 months from December 2015 to November 2017, a prospective study was performed involving 100 patients admitted in the  IPD of the Department of General Surgery , Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences , Patna and their diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical features such as right upper abdomen pain, fever, laboratory investigation and radiological evidence of liver abscess.

Results: Amoebic liver abscess was the most common (89%) type of liver abscess among the study groups. There was a strong correlation with the occurrence of liver abscess and addiction to alcohol, history of diabetes mellitus and low socioeconomic status. The most common etiology of pyogenic liver abscess was Escherichia coli.Ultrasonography  of the abdomen was accurate and cost effective in diagnosis of liver abscess. Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) was the most effective method of treatment (with 100% success rate).                       Conclusion: Most patients in our study had liver abscess of amoebic origin and had temporal relationship with diabetes, alcoholism, and staggering socio economic status. We suggest early recognition of clinical features and prompt abdominal ultrasound as cost effective means for treatment initiation and reducing complications.