SURGICAL ASPECTS OF AMEBIC DYSENTERY

Abstract

We are reporting 3 cases of amebic hepatic abscess and 1 case of obstructing amebic granuloma of the ileocecal region. These cases were complicated in many respects. Perforation of the abscess to the diaphragmatic region was the first evidence of amebic hepatic disease in 1 of the cases, which was similar to 2 other cases reported by Walters, Watkins, Butt and Marshall.¹Administration of amebacides, aspiration of the abscess and right hemicolectomy were the successful methods of treatment in the respective cases. The opinion is still held rather generally, although erroneously, that amebic dysentery is a tropical disease with only sporadic and more or less accidental appearances in the temperate zone. More correctly, it is an endemic disease of all climates and of worldwide distribution. Faust²stated that "Endameba histolytica has been found wherever careful coprological surveys have been made on the human population from Saskatchewan, Canada (52°