Hepatic trauma revisited

Abstract

As stated in the introduction to this monograph, much has changed in the management of major hepatic injuries during the past 5 to 10 years. The major changes are summarized as follows: 1. 1. Computed tomographic scanning is now the mainstay of diagnosis for hepatic injuries after blunt trauma and allows for nonoperative therapy in many patients with lacerations, intrahepatic hematomas, or subcapsular hematomas; 2. 2. Realization that the time limit for application of the Pringle maneuver can be extended. 3. 3. Recognition that fibrin glue appears to be a useful topical agent in preliminary clinical studies; 4. 4. Use of hepatotomy with selective vascular ligation instead of mattress sutures for deep lacerations or to control hemorrhage from tracts of penetrating wounds; 5. 5. Use of resectional débridement of devitalized tissue and selective vascular ligation instead of formal anatomical resection; 6. 6. Use of an “omental pack” as a filler of deep cracks or hepatotomy sites instead of closure with mattress sutures; 7. 7. Use of perihepatic packing in selected patients instead of resection when a coagulopathy or major subcapsular hematoma is present; 8. 8. Discontinued use of perihepatic drains for minor or moderate hepatic injuries as long as discrete methods of selective vascular and biliary ligation have been used.