Management of liver trauma

Abstract

Background and methods: Management of blunt or penetrating injuries to the liver remains a significant challenge. This review discusses the mechanisms of liver injury, grading system for severity, available diagnostic modalities and current management options. It is based on a Medline literature search and the authors' clinical experience.

Results: Unstable patients require immediate laparotomy, but selected patients who are haemo- dynamically stable may be managed without operation. The preferred operative techniques include resectional debridement, hepatotomy with direct suture ligation and perihepatic packing; anatomical resection, hepatic artery ligation and various bypass techniques have a limited, more defined role for selected injuries. Major complications include haemorrhage, sepsis and bile leak.

Conclusion: Enhanced resuscitation, anaesthesia and intensive care have contributed to a significant reduction in mortality rates from liver trauma. Optimum results are obtained with a specialist team that includes an experienced liver surgeon, anaesthetist, endoscopist and interventional hepatobiliary radiologist with expertise in managing postoperative complications.