ABSTRACT
Most surgical conditions in the tropics are associated with parasitic infestations and infections related to poor hygienic conditions. This chapter deals with the conditions that a surgeon might occasionally see when working in an area where such diseases are uncommon. Amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica. The disease is common in the Indian subcontinent, Africa and parts of Central and South America, where almost half the population is infected. The typical patient with an amoebic liver abscess is a young adult male with a history of insidious onset of non-specific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, anorexia, fever, night sweats, malaise, cough and weight loss. Medical treatment is very effective and should be the first choice in the elective situation, with surgery being reserved for complications.
