Laparoscopic treatment of pyogenic liver abscess caused by fishbone puncture through the stomach wall and into the liver: A case report

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) due to foreign body penetration of the gastrointestinal tract is rare but can lead to serious consequences if not diagnosed and managed properly. We report a case of PLA caused by a fishbone puncture. This report describes the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of a 56-year-old male patient who presented with severe pneumonia, acute respiratory failure and septic shock. The main clinical manifestation was a nonspecific recurrent infection. Based on the findings of abdominal computed tomography examination and the detailed medical history, the diagnosis was made as PLA which was caused by fishbone puncture through the stomach wall and into the liver. After active anti-inflammatory treatment, the patient's general condition had improved. The laparoscopic drainage of the liver abscess and the foreign body removal was performed. There was no recurrence of abscess at discharge or during follow-up and the patient's general condition was satisfactory. PLA caused by foreign bodies usually requires surgical treatment or percutaneous drainage combined with antibiotics. Our case confirms that a laparoscopic approach is safe and feasible for such cases.