BACKGROUNDSurgical site infections is a dangerous condition posing a heavy burden on the patient and social health system. The use of preoperative skin preparation by effective antiseptic plays an important role in reducing postoperative wound infections. Hence, the present study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the efficacy of 2% chlorhexidine-alcohol versus 5% povidone-iodine in abdominal surgeries for prevention of SSI. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe present one year randomised controlled trial was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, over a period from 2014 to 2015 on 120 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgeries. The patients were divided into two groups by computer randomisation that is Group A (chlorhexidine-alcohol group) and Group B (povidone-iodine group). The surgical wounds were examined for any infections present.

BACKGROUND Liver abscess continues to be a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the medical fraternity. It is a life-threatening and a potentially serious condition if left untreated. Therefore, it is very important for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management at the earliest. This study was conducted to assess the incidence, aetiology, clinical presentation, management and prognosis of liver abscess in patients attending a tertiary care referral hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted in Madurai Medical College Hospital, Madurai, from March 2015 to August 2016. The study population consists of patients admitted in General Surgery Wards of Madurai Medical College and Hospital, Madurai, with features suggestive of liver abscess. RESULTS Liver abscess was more commonly seen in the age group of 41-50 years. Male predominance 97.9% was seen in liver abscess. Nearly, two thirds of cases of liver abscess had a history of alcohol intake. Majority of liver abscess were amoebic and nearly 10% were pyogenic. Escherichia coli was the commonest organism causing pyogenic liver abscess. Abdominal pain was the commonest symptom of liver abscess followed by abdominal distension and fever. Right hypochondrial tenderness and intercostal tenderness were the common clinical signs in liver abscess. There was a predominant involvement of the right lobe of the liver. Percutaneous aspiration of abscess with antiamoebic and antibiotics forms the mainstay of treatment. Percutaneous catheter drainage is method of choice in failed aspiration and laparoscopic drainage or laparotomy and drainage is indicated in ruptured liver abscess. CONCLUSION Liver abscess was more commonly seen in the age group of 41-50 years. Male predominance 97.9% was seen in liver abscess. Nearly, two-thirds of cases of liver abscess had a history of alcohol intake. Majority of liver abscess were amoebic and nearly 10% were pyogenic. Escherichia coli was the commonest organism causing pyogenic liver abscess. Abdominal pain was the commonest symptom of liver abscess followed by abdominal distension and fever. Right hypochondrial tenderness and intercostal tenderness were the common clinical signs in liver abscess.