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

Comments

Originally published at http://doi.org/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

Included in

Surgery Commons

Share

COinS