Patterns and Management of Liver Trauma in Riyadh Central Hospital

Abstract

A retrospective study is presented of all patients undergoing laparotomy for liver trauma during a one-year period at the Riyadh Central Hospital. The total number of patients was 38, the majority (36) were men between 21 and 30 years old. Blunt abdominal trauma from road traffic accidents was the predominant cause in 36 patients (95%), and two patients (5%) suffered penetrating injury from gunshot wounds. Associated injury of other organs or systems frequently accompanied the blunt abdominal trauma and was responsible for mortality in four patients. Three patients with extensive liver damage as well as juxtahepatic injury to the hepatic veins or inferior vena cava died from major hemorrhage. The overall mortality was 18.4%. The majority of liver injuries can be managed surgically by simple suture techniques. A scheme for the surgical management of liver trauma is outlined.AA Al-Kraida, Patterns and Management of Liver Trauma in Riyadh Central Hospital. 1988; 8(1): 25-28 MeSH