What is liver abscess?

An abscess in liver: An abscess is area of infection which the body has managed to form a fibrous reaction around, in an attempt to keep it from spreading. When this forms in the liver -- liver abscess. It can be caused by many different bacteria, fungus, amoeba, etc.

Pus: In the liver. Usually caused by spread of a distant infection, it can also form after parasite infections of the GI tract or even tumors of the liver that grow too fast and die (necrosis). Management is with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage, rarely needs open surgery.

Infection: A liver abscess if most commonly due to an infection within the bile ducts that travels up into the liver substance. This is usually associated with obstruction (stone or cancer). For large abscesses, drainage is necessary but rarely requires open surgery. For small abscesses, treatment with antibiotics is usually sufficient.

Infection: Very simply, it is an infection within the liver, usually described as a pus-filled mass.