Emergent surgery for traumatic liver rupture

Abstract

Objective To summarize clinical experience of emergent surgery for severe liver trauma with rupture of major blood vessels. Methods The clinical data of 12 cases suffering from severe liver trauma with rupture of perihepatic and intrahepatic large blood vessels were retrospectively analyzed. These cases were from Dec 2000 to May 2008. All the cases underwent emergency operation, 6 cases were treated with liver lobectomy: among those 1 case with right posterior lobe liver resection, 1 case with irregular right lobe liver resection, 3 cases with left hemihepatectomy, and 1 case with left lateral lobectomy. Seven cases with rupture of major blood vessels were treated by repair or ligature and/or packing including repair of posthepatic inferior vena though the middle fissure in 2 cases, and through retrahepatic space in one case, interrupted suture of the portal vein in 2 cases, interrupted suture of the right hepatic veins in 2 cases. Mattress suture was applied to the ruptured hepatic veins in 7 cases including mattress suture of the branch of right hepatic vein and middle hepatic vein in 1 case, mattress suture of right hepatic vein in 1 case, suture of middle hepatic vein in 2 cases, and suture of left hepatic vein in 3 cases. One case was treated with ligation of hepatic artery and 3 cases with gauzes packing. Results Among all the 12 cases, 9 cases were cured, 3 cases died: two were caused by severe trauma together with hemorrhagic shock, one by sever brain injury together with hemorrhagic shock. Conclusions Prompt operation, precise stop bleeding and correct operation style are the key for successful rescue of patients suffering from severe liver trauma and massive bleeding. Key words: Wounds and injuries; Liver; Blood vessels