Document Type
Article
Original Publication Date
2017
Journal/Book/Conference Title
CURRENT TRAUMA REPORTS
Volume
3
Issue
1
First Page
38
Last Page
42
DOI of Original Publication
10.1007/s40719-017-0077-z
Date of Submission
August 2017
Abstract
Purpose of Review
The purpose of this review is to discuss the indications for operative and nonoperative management in patients with blunt liver injuries.
Recent Findings
Over the past several years, research has begun to show that nonoperative management in blunt liver injuries is feasible and has favorable outcomes over immediate operations in patients who are hemodynamically stable. This includes high-grade injuries who were previously taken to the operating room, in the absence of peritoneal signs or instability, for washout and packing. This trend in management is likely multifactorial and includes improved quality of critical care medicine, advances in imaging to accurately define the injury and trend changes, and other interventional techniques such as embolization, percutaneous drainage and endoscopy. The mainstay of treatment for hemodynamically unstable patients remains operative.
Summary
This article will provide current recommendations for operative and nonoperative management strategies in patients with blunt liver injuries, taking into account initial clinical picture and resources available.
Rights
(C) Springer International Publishing AG 2017
Is Part Of
VCU Surgery Publications
Comments
Originally published at http://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-017-0077-z