Management of blunt liver trauma: Observational hospital-based study

Abstract

Background: Conservative management of blunt liver trauma is being recommended based on evidence from research studies. The present study describes the observations concerning the management of blunt liver trauma from a tertiary care centre in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Patients and Methods: This observational hospital-based study included hemodynamically stable patients with confirmed blunt liver trauma, admitted at our tertiary care hospital. Patients who were not hemodynamically stable on admission; but later became hemodynamically stable after resuscitation were also included in the study. Hemodynamic stability was assessed based on systolic BP >90 mmHg; Pulse rate Results: Total 31 (29 males, 2 females) blunt liver trauma patients were included. In total 26 patients (83.9%) were managed conservatively. Five patients (16.1%) were operated based on hemodynamic parameters. Most of the patients with grade II, III and IV liver trauma were managed conservatively with satisfactory results. Conclusion: Study findings favour nonoperative management of blunt liver trauma in hemodynamically stable patients and also in patients who are responsive to resuscitation.