Management of liver trauma.
Badger, S A Barclay, R Campbell, P Mole, D J Diamond, T
Badger, S A
Barclay, R
Campbell, P
Mole, D J
Diamond, T
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Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2012-02-01T11:09:00Z
Date Submitted
Keywords
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Abdominal Injuries/classification/*diagnosis/etiology/*therapy
Humans
Liver/blood supply/*injuries/surgery
Humans
Liver/blood supply/*injuries/surgery
Planned Date
Start Date
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Principal Investigators
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Blunt and penetrating liver trauma is common and often presents major diagnostic and management problems. METHODS: A literature review was undertaken to determine the current consensus on investigation and management strategies. RESULTS: The liver is the most frequently injured organ following abdominal trauma. Immediate assessment with ultrasound has replaced diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the resuscitation room, but computerised tomography remains the gold standard investigation. Nonoperative management is preferred in stable patients but laparotomy is indicated in unstable patients. Damage control techniques such as perihepatic packing, hepatotomy plus direct suture, and resectional debridement are recommended. Major complex surgical procedures such as anatomical resection or atriocaval shunting are now thought to be redundant in the emergency setting. Packing is also recommended for the inexperienced surgeon to allow control and stabilisation prior to transfer to a tertiary centre. Interventional radiological techniques are becoming more widely used, particularly in patients who are being managed nonoperatively or have been stabilised by perihepatic packing. CONCLUSIONS: Management of liver injuries has evolved significantly throughout the last two decades. In the absence of other abdominal injuries, operative management can usually be avoided. Patients with more complex injuries or subsequent complications should be transferred to a specialist centre to optimise final outcome.
Language
eng
ISSN
1432-2323 (Electronic)
0364-2313 (Linking)
0364-2313 (Linking)
eISSN
ISBN
DOI
10.1007/s00268-009-0215-z
PMID
19760312