A liver abscess is a pus-filled sack or area in the liver. There are three types of liver abscess, although 80% of all liver abscesses are classified as a pyogenic, or a pus-producing abscess. Some causes for a liver abscess include an infection in the blood or an infection of the liver secretion tract. Other causes include an abdominal infection, such as an infection of the appendix or bowel. A perforated bowel, where leakage from the colon into the abdominal cavity occurs through a small tear, can also cause a liver abscess.

The liver is a complicated, hard working organ, located in the upper right quadrant of the abdominal cavity. Although it performs over 500 functions, the major ones are to filter the blood and remove chemicals and toxins. It regulates the metabolism of the body, and assists in the breakdown of fats in foods for proper function of the digestive system. It is the only organ in the human body capable of regeneration, unless liver disease becomes so severe it is unable to recover. The liver is composed of two lobes that work independently of the other, and if one lobe is damaged, the other lobe can keep functioning on its own.

The symptoms of a liver abscess include chalk-colored stools, fever and chills, abdomen pain, and a yellow cast to the skin known as jaundice. If any of these symptoms are experienced, medical attention should be sought immediately. Treatment can consist of a long-term regimen of antibiotics, usually lasting four to six weeks, and sometimes this is enough to resolve the condition. Other treatment options include surgery or the insertion of a needle to drain the abscess. Even with proper treatment, 10 to 30% of people with a liver abscess experience life threatening complications, such as sepsis, a blood infection.

Common tests when a liver abscess is suspected include an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, similar to an x-ray, and an abdominal ultrasound. Blood tests, such as a white blood cell count to assess the level of infection, a blood culture to identify the bacteria causing the infection, and blood tests indicating liver function, will also usually be performed. A biopsy of the liver may also be indicated in some instances. Although prompt treatment of any abdominal infection can reduce the risks of developing a liver abscess, the condition is not preventable in most cases.