Blunt Liver Trauma Research Articles

Observation-first versus angioembolization-first approach in stable patients with blunt liver trauma: A WTA multicenter study.

Prior studies evaluating observation versus angioembolization (AE) for blunt liver injuries (BLT) with contrast extravasation (CE) on computed tomography imaging have yielded inconsistent conclusions, primarily due to limitations in single-center and/or retrospective study design. Therefore, this multicenter study aims to compare an observation versus AE-first approach for BLT, hypothesizing decreased liver-related complications (LRCs) with observation. We conducted a post hoc analysis of a multicenter, prospective observational study (2019-2021) across 23 centers. Adult patients with BLT + CE undergoing observation or AE within 8 hours of arrival were included. The primary outcome was LRCs, defined as perihepatic fluid collection, bile leak/biloma, pseudoaneurysm, hepatic necrosis, and/or hepatic abscess. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors associated with LRCs. From 128 patients presenting with BLT + CE on imaging, 71 (55.5%) underwent observation-first and 57 (45.5%) AE-first management. Both groups were comparable in age, vitals, mechanism of injury, and shock index (all p > 0.05), however the AE group had increased frequency of American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Grade IV injuries (51.0% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.002). The AE cohort demonstrated increased rates of in-hospital LRCs (36.8% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.038), emergency department representation (25.0% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.025), and hospital readmission for LRCs (12.3% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.012). However, the two cohorts had similar mortality rates (5.7% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.912). After adjusting for age, ISS, and grade of liver injury, an AE-first approach had a similar associated risk of LRCs compared with observation-first management (odds ratio, 1.949; 95% confidence interval, 0.673-5.643; p = 0.219). Patients with blunt liver injury and CE undergoing an observation-first approach were associated with a similar adjusted risk of LRCs and rate of mortality compared with AE-first approach. Overall, this calls for reevaluation of the role of routine AE in blunt liver trauma patients with CE. Future prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings. Therapeutic/Care Management, Level IV.

The negative effect of preexisting cirrhosis on blunt liver trauma patients: a multifaceted approach from the trauma quality improvement program database.

To assess the impact of pre-existing cirrhosis on the outcomes of non-operatively managed blunt liver trauma within the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database. A study of non-operatively managed blunt liver injury patients from 2016 to 2019 was conducted. Propensity score matching analyzed mortality, complications, and hospital length of stay (LOS) for patients with and without cirrhosis. The effect of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was determined using multivariate logistic regression. Out of 63,946 patients, 767 (1.2%) had pre-existing cirrhosis. Following 1:1 matching, those with cirrhosis experienced more hemorrhage (TAE need: 5.7% vs. 2.7%; transfusion volume: 639.1 vs. 259.3ml), complications (acute kidney injury: 5.1% vs. 2.8%; sepsis: 2.4% vs. 1.0%), and poorer outcomes (mortality: 19.5% vs. 10.2%; hospital LOS: 11.6 vs. 8.4 days; ICU LOS: 12.1 vs. 7.4 days; ventilator days: 7.6 vs. 1.6). Notably, TAE was associated with increased mortality in cirrhotic patients (odds ratio: 4.093) but did not significantly affect mortality in patients without cirrhosis. Within TQIP, pre-existing cirrhosis is a significant negative determinant for outcomes in blunt liver trauma. Cirrhotic patients undergoing TAE for hemostasis face greater mortality risk than non-cirrhotic counterparts.

Modern approaches to the management of blunt liver trauma

Relevance. Liver trauma is one of the most common abdominal injuries. The purpose is to review the evidence and present the current level of diagnosis, tactics and treatment of blunt liver trauma.Materials and methods. The results of clinical studies in liver trauma have been analyzed. Literature was searched in PubMed electronic search engines (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), eLibrary (https://elibrary.ru) by keywords: "liver trauma", "management liver trauma", "diagnosis liver trauma". 134 publications were selected for analysis.Results. Historically, most patients with liver trauma were cured promptly using techniques such as liver suturing, liver resection, ligation of the hepatic artery, atrioval shunts. Conservative management was practically not used. Consequently, mortality was high and reached almost 90% in patients with severe trauma, including damage to the main hepatic vessels. The introduction of such techniques as perigepathic packaging and direct suturing of damaged vessels significantly improved the prognosis of patients. The widespread use of conservative therapy in patients with stable hemodynamics, the management of which is based on instrumental assessment, carefully selected diagnostic imaging of the nature of liver injury, instrumental dynamic observation using operative X-ray angiology and endoscopy, in a hybrid operating room, contributed to the improvement of treatment results.Conclusion. In recent decades, conservative therapy has been performed in 80–86% of cases in patients with stable hemodynamics. The use of minimally invasive interventions such as angiography and embolization, a combination of percutaneous drainage and endoscopic methods for injury to vascular and biliary structures can be considered as the main method of treating post-traumatic complications.

The impact of augmenter of liver regeneration in blunt liver trauma: An experimental model analysis.

Traumatic liver injury is an acute event that triggers liver repair. The augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) has been identified as a growth factor involved in this process. This study evaluates the impact of ALR on isolated liver blunt trauma and examines its relationship with various time intervals. Forty healthy female Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups (n=8 each). Isolated blunt liver trauma was induced using a custom-designed trauma platform in all groups except for Group 1. The groups were categorized by the timing of euthanasia post-trauma: 2nd (15 minutes), 3rd (30 minutes), 4th (45 minutes), and 5th (60 minutes). Assessments included plasma ALR levels, liver tissue ALR levels (both intact and lacerated), biochemical indices, and liver histological analysis. Plasma ALR levels in Group 4 were higher than in Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.01). Intact liver ALR levels in Groups 3 and 4 exceeded those in Group 1 (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). Intact liver tissue ALR levels in Group 5 were lower than in Groups 3 and 4 (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). Lacerated liver tissue ALR levels in Group 5 were higher than those in Groups 2 and 3. In Group 1, the plasma ALR level was higher than the intact liver tissue ALR level (p<0.05). In Group 2, plasma ALR levels exceeded those in intact liver tissue ALR levels (p<0.01). In Group 3, plasma ALR levels surpassed both lacerated and intact liver tissue ALR levels (p<0.05, p<0.001, respectively). In Group 4, the plasma ALR level was higher than the intact liver tissue ALR level (p<0.01), and the lacerated liver tissue level was higher than the intact liver ALR level (p<0.001). Additionally, inflammation scores were higher in Groups 3, 4, and 5 compared to Group 2 (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.01, respectively). This study is the first to explore the role of ALR in isolated blunt liver trauma. Following blunt liver trauma, both plasma and liver tissue ALR levels change within minutes.

Portal vein embolization following arterial portography for the management of an active portal bleeding after blunt liver trauma in a cirrhotic patient

BackgroundThe management of blunt liver trauma in cirrhotic patients is challenging, because while bleeding is most often of arterial origin, the increased pressure in the portal system associated with cirrhosis can increase the risk of portal bleeding, which is sometimes difficult to confirm on contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography.Case presentationWe managed a 54-year-old cirrhotic patient who presented with blunt liver trauma. Computed Tomography showed active intraperitoneal bleeding presumed to be of hepatic origin. Given the patient's hemodynamic stability, the decision was made to manage the patient non-surgically. The patient underwent hepatic arteriography to rule out an arterial origin to the bleeding. A superior mesenteric arterial portography confirmed the portal venous origin of the bleeding. To stop the bleeding, a distal portal vein embolization using coils and glue was performed by approaching a large paraumbilical vein.ConclusionsOur case study shows the value of arterial portography in the management of these patients, when they are clinically stable enough to benefit from non-surgical management; This allows arterial bleeding to be excluded on hepatic arteriography, portal bleeding to be confirmed on portography following arteriography in the superior mesenteric artery, and guidance of portal vein embolization.

Use of angioembolization, treatment modalities and mortality in association with blunt liver trauma in Germany — a data analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®

PurposeAngioembolization (ANGIO) is highly valued in national and international guideline recommendations as a treatment adjunct with blunt liver trauma (BLT). The literature on BLT shows that treatment, regardless of the severity of liver injury, can be accomplished with a high success rate using nonoperative management (NOM). An indication for surgical therapy (SURG) is only seen in hemodynamically instable patients. For Germany, it is unclear how frequently NOM ±\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\pm$$\\end{document} ANGIO is actually used, and what mortality is associated with BLT.MethodsA retrospective systematic data analysis of patients with BLT from the TraumaRegister DGU® was performed. All patients with liver injury AIS ≥ 2 between 2015 and 2020 were included. The focus was to evaluate the use ANGIO as well as treatment selection (NOM vs. SURG) and mortality in relation to liver injury severity. Furthermore, independent risk factors influencing mortality were identified, using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsA total of 2353 patients with BLT were included in the analysis. ANGIO was used in 18 cases (0.8%). NOM was performed in 70.9% of all cases, but mainly in less severe liver trauma (AIS ≤ 2, abbreviated injury scale). Liver injuries AIS ≥ 3 were predominantly treated surgically (64.6%). Overall mortality associated with BLT was 16%. Severity of liver injury ≥ AIS 3, age > 60 years, hemodynamic instability (INSTBL), and mass transfusion (≥ 10 packed red blood cells/pRBC) were identified as independent risk factors contributing to mortality in BLT.ConclusionANGIO is rarely used in BLT, contrary to national and international guideline recommendations. In Germany, liver injuries AIS ≥ 3 are still predominantly treated surgically. BLT is associated with considerable mortality, depending on the presence of specific contributing risk factors.

Unstable angina due to extrinsic coronary compression secondary to a gigantic pulmonary artery aneurysm: An uncommon etiology

Unstable angina due to extrinsic coronary compression secondary to a gigantic pulmonary artery aneurysm: An uncommon etiology

Injection of rat mesenchymal stem cells leads to their homing and differentiation in the liver in a blunt liver trauma model

Injection of rat mesenchymal stem cells leads to their homing and differentiation in the liver in a blunt liver trauma model

Role of Serial Phlebotomy in the Management of Blunt Solid Organ Injury in Adults.

The management of blunt spleen and liver trauma has become increasingly nonoperative. There is no consensus on timing or duration of serial hemoglobin and hematocrit monitoring in this patient population. This study examined the clinical utility of serial hemoglobin and hematocrit monitoring. We hypothesized that most interventions occur early in the hospital course, based on hemodynamic instability or physical examination findings rather than serial monitoring. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult trauma patients with blunt spleen or liver injury from November 2014 through June 2019 at our Level II trauma center. Interventions were classified as no intervention, surgical intervention, angioembolization, or packed red blood cell transfusion. Demographics, length of stay, total blood draws, laboratory values, and clinical triggers preceding intervention were reviewed. A total of 143 patients were studied, of whom 73 (51%) received no intervention, 47 (33%) received an intervention within 4 hr of presentation, and 23 (16%) had interventions beyond 4 hr. Of these 23 patients, 13 received an intervention based on phlebotomy results alone. Most of these patients (n = 12, 92%) received blood transfusion without further intervention. Only one patient underwent operative intervention based on serial hemoglobin results on hospital day 2. The majority of patients with these injury patterns either require no intervention or declare themselves promptly after arrival. Serial phlebotomy after initial triage and intervention may add little value in the management of blunt solid organ injury.

Contemporary Management of Blunt Liver Trauma: An Analysis of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program Registry (2007–2019)

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies for blunt liver injuries in adult patients. Materials and MethodsPatients aged ≥18 years with blunt liver injuries registered via the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2007–2019) were identified. Management strategies initiated within 24 hours of hospital presentation were classified as nonoperative management (NOM), embolization, surgery, or combination therapy. Patients were stratified by injury grade. Linear models estimated each strategy’s effect on hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilator dependence, and mortality. ResultsOf 78,127 included patients, 88.7%, 8.7%, 1.8%, and 0.8% underwent NOM, surgery, embolization, and combination therapy, respectively. Among patients with low-grade (n = 62,237) and high-grade (n = 15,890) injuries and compared with all other management strategies, NOM was associated with the shortest hospital LOS and ICU LOS. Among patients with low-grade injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter hospital LOS (9.7 days; P < .001; Cohen d = 0.32) and ICU LOS (5.3 days; P < .001; Cohen d = 0.36). Among patients with high-grade injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter ICU LOS (6.0 days; P < .01; Cohen d = 0.24). Among patients with low- and high-grade injuries and compared with embolization, surgery was associated with higher odds of mortality (P < .001). ConclusionsAmong patients presenting with blunt liver injuries and compared with surgery, embolization was associated with a shorter ICU LOS and lower risk of mortality.

Nonoperative management for major blunt hepatic trauma in a 3-year-old child

Introduction: Based on hemodynamic stability, non-operative management of low- and high-grade liver injury is the first treatment choice over surgical treatment. Small clinics are still preferring primary operative approach instead of nonoperative one. Presentation of the case: We are presenting a case (3-year-old male child) of nonoperative treatment of a grade IV blunt liver trauma (lacero-contusive injury of V, VI and VII segments) with massive hemoperitoneum. The patient was put into a conservative treatment with antibiotics, fluids and ½ unit of blood. The results of Computed Tomography showed significant amounts of perihepatic and periileal fluid between the bowels and in the Douglas pouch, which persisted for five days. Laboratory alterations ​​of Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase, and Total Bilirubin reached their maximum values on third day, persisting in decline until fifth day and returned to normal after tenth day. The hospital stay was 11 days, the length of time necessary for the complete conservatory treatment and full recovery of the trauma. Discussion: More than 80%-90% of liver injuries are managed with nonoperative intervention. Early and late complication can be managed by interventional radiology procedures when it is possible. Success rate of conservative treatment is over 80%. Conclusion: If no other abdominal injuries are evident and patient is hemodynamically stable nonoperative management for major blunt hepatic trauma in children is the best choice of treatment

Experience of non-operative management of blunt liver trauma at Hospital das Clínicas de Uberlândia: 114 cases.

trauma is the leading cause of death for the age group from 1 to 49 years in Brazil. Non-Operative Management (NOM) is the gold standard in trauma centers and does not affect mortality in comparison to operative treatment. medical records were reviewed for 114 patients with blunt liver trauma treated at Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Uberlândia (HC-UFU) from November 2015 to November 2020. the most prevalent gender was masculine (74.5%). The most prevalent age group was 20 to 49 years (65.7%). The majority of admitted patients (60.5%) had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of more than 15. On hospital admission, 30.7% had HR above 100 bpm and 30.70% had SBP below 100mmHg. NOM was implemented in 77.2% of patients, the failure rate was 11.36% and the specific failure rate, excluding complications of associated injuries that resulted in surgery, was 1.75%. One third of deaths were due to severe traumatic brain injury. the failure rate of NOM in this study is similar to the literature reports for liver trauma. The failure rate, excluding complications of associated injuries, is considered low. The recognition of the epidemiological profile of patients admitted at HC-UFU allows multidisciplinary and integrated care with specialized training, as well as the development of institutional protocols, aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality related to hepatic trauma.

Blunt Liver Trauma Compared with Penetrating Liver Injury: Experience of the Trauma Center of the University Hospital in Pilsen, Czech Republic

Blunt Liver Trauma Compared with Penetrating Liver Injury: Experience of the Trauma Center of the University Hospital in Pilsen, Czech Republic

Non-operative management of blunt liver trauma in Qena University Hospital

Non-operative management of blunt liver trauma in Qena University Hospital

Experience of non-operative management of blunt liver trauma at Hospital das Clínicas de Uberlândia: 114 cases

RESUMO Introdução: o trauma é a principal causa de morte na faixa etária de 1 a 49 anos no Brasil. O Tratamento não operatório (TNO) é padrão ouro nos centros de trauma e não altera a mortalidade quando comparado ao tratamento operatório. Métodos: foram avaliados 114 prontuários médicos de pacientes vítimas de trauma hepático contuso atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (HC-UFU) no período de novembro de 2015 a novembro de 2020. Resultados: os homens foram o sexo mais acometido (74,5%) e a faixa etária mais prevalente foi de 20 a 49 anos (65,7%). 60,5% dos pacientes admitidos apresentavam um Injury Severity Score (ISS) maior ou igual a 16. Na admissão, 30,7% apresentaram FC acima de 100bpm e 30,70% PAS abaixo de 100mmHg. O TNO foi instituído em 77,2% dos pacientes, o índice de falha foi de 11,36% e o índice de falha específica, excluindo as cirurgias decorrentes por complicação de lesões associadas, foi de 1,75%. 33,33% dos óbitos foram decorrentes de traumatismo cranioencefálico grave. Conclusão: o índice de TNO instituído no HC-UFU é próximo ao estabelecido na literatura para traumas hepáticos. O índice de falha, quando excluídas às complicações por lesões associadas, é considerado baixo. O reconhecimento do perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes admitidos no HC-UFU permite o treinamento especializado integrativo e multiprofissional das equipes assistenciais e o desenvolvimento de protocolos institucionais, visando reduzir a morbimortalidade relacionada ao trauma hepático.

Nonoperative treatment of complex blunt liver trauma (giant subcapsular hematoma): case report and literature review

Nonoperative treatment of complex blunt liver trauma (giant subcapsular hematoma): case report and literature review

Liver Transplantation Using Allografts With Recent Liver Blunt Trauma: A Nationwide Audit From the French CRISTAL Biomedicine Agency Registry.

In the current setting of organ shortage, brain-dead liver donors with recent liver trauma (RLT) represent a potential pool of donors. Yet, data on feasibility and safety of liver transplantation (LT) using grafts with RLT are lacking. All liver grafts from brain-dead donors with RLT proposed for LT between 2010 and 2018 were identified from the nationwide CRISTAL registry of the Biomedicine Agency. The current study aimed at evaluating 1-y survival as the primary endpoint. Among 11 073 LTs, 142 LTs (1.3%) using grafts with RLT were performed. These 142 LTs, including 23 split LTs, were performed from 131 donors (46.1%) of 284 donors with RLT proposed for LT. Transplanted grafts were procured from donors with lower liver enzymes levels ( P < 0.001) and less advanced liver trauma according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma liver grading system ( P < 0.001) compared with not transplanted grafts. Before allocation procedures, 20 (7%) of 284 donors underwent damage control intervention. During transplantation, specific liver trauma management was needed in 19 patients (13%), consisting of local hemostatic control (n = 15), partial hepatic resection on back-table (n = 3), or perihepatic packing (n = 1). Ninety-day mortality and severe morbidity rates were 8.5% (n = 12) and 29.5% (n = 42), respectively. One-year overall and graft survival rates were 85% and 81%, and corresponding 5-y rates were 77% and 72%, respectively. Using liver grafts from donors with RLT seems safe with acceptable long-term outcomes. All brain-dead patients with multiorgan trauma, including liver injury, should be considered for organ allocation.

Causes and management of blunt liver trauma in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar

Trauma is the principal reason of deaths in kids and young adults globally. Objective: To determine the causes and management of blunt liver trauma in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar. Methods: The present investigation observed a total of 150 individuals through non-probability consecutive sampling to determine the mean hospital stay in patients presented with blunt liver trauma. Results: In this study, age distribution among 150 patients was analyzed as n= 10-20 Years 51 34.0%), 21-30 Years 35 (23.3%), 31-40 Years 16 (10.7%), 41-50 Years 23 (15.3%), 51-60 Years 25 (16.7%). Mean age was 41.56±5.357 years. Gender wise Distribution among 150 Patients was analyzed as Male were 94 (62.7%) and female were 56 (37.3%) Distribution of BMI among 150 patients were analyzed as n=Below 18.5 Underweight 76 (50.7%), 18.5–24.9 Normal weight 35 (23.3%), 25.0–29.9 pre-obesity 21 (14.0%), 30.0–34.9 Obesity class 18 (12.0%). Distribution Mechanism of Injury among 150 patients were analyzed as n= RTA was 57 (38.0%), fall from height was 52 (34.7%), Sport's injury was 18 (12.0%), physical assault was 23 (15.3%). Successful Conservative Management among 150 patients were analyzed as n= Yes was 106 (70.7%) and No was 44 (29.3%), Distribution of Mortality among 150 patients were analyzed as n= Yes was found 66 (44.0%) and No was found 84 (56.0%). Conclusions: The severity of liver damage and concomitant intra-abdominal injuries demonstrated a strong association with the chance of success with conservative therapy. The restricted hospital facilities and lack of agreement on traditional therapy had a detrimental influence on success.

The Blunt Liver and Spleen Trauma (BLAST) audit: national survey and prospective audit of children with blunt liver and spleen trauma in major trauma centres

PurposeTo compare the reported and observed management of UK children with blunt liver or spleen injury (BLSI) to the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) 2019 BLSI guidance.MethodsUK Paediatric Major Trauma Centres (pMTCs) undertook 1 year of prospective data collection on children admitted to or discussed with those centres with BLSI and an online questionnaire was distributed to all consultants who care for children with BLSI in those centres.ResultsAll 21/21 (100%) pMTCs participated; 131 patients were included and 100/152 (65%) consultants responded to the survey. ICU care was reported and observed to be primarily determined using haemodynamic status or concomitant injuries rather than injury grade, in accordance with APSA guidance. Bed rest was reported to be determined by grade of injury by 63% of survey respondents and observed in a similar proportion of patients. Contrary to APSA guidance, follow-up radiological assessment of the injured spleen or liver was undertaken in 44% of patients before discharge and 32% after discharge, the majority of whom were asymptomatic.ConclusionsUK management of BLSI differs from many aspects of APSA guidance. A shift towards using clinical features to determine ICU admission and readiness for discharge is demonstrated, in line with a strong evidence base. However, routine bed rest and re-imaging after BLSI is common, contrary to APSA guidance. This disparity may exist due to concern that evidence around the incidence, presentation and natural history of complications after conservatively managed BLSI, particularly bleeding from pseudoaneurysms, is weak.

Liver Trauma: Management in the Emergency Setting and Medico-Legal Implications

Traumatic abdominal injuries are life-threatening emergencies frequently seen in the Emergency Department (ED). The most common is liver trauma, which accounts for approximately 5% of all ED admissions for trauma. The management of blunt liver trauma has evolved significantly over the past few decades and, according to the injury’s severity, it may require massive resuscitation, radiological procedures, endoscopy, or surgery. Patients admitted to the ED with blunt abdominal trauma require a multidisciplinary evaluation, including emergency physicians, surgeons, radiologists, and anesthetists, who must promptly identify the extent of the injury to prevent serious complications. In case of a patient’s death, the execution of a forensic examination carried out with a multidisciplinary approach (radiological, macroscopic, and histological) is essential to understand the cause of death and to correlate the extent of the injuries to the possibility of survival to be able to manage any medico-legal disputes. This manuscript aims to collect the most up-to-date evidence regarding the management of hepatic trauma in the emergency room and to explore radiological findings and medico-legal implications.