Treatment of 209 cases of liver injury.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the experience of the treatment of traumatic hepatorrhexis.

METHODS

The clinical data of 209 cases of liver trauma treated in the three affiliated hospitals of the Third Military Medical University from 1989 to 1999 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 209 patients, 108 (51.7%) had Grade III or more severe liver injury. Operative treatment was performed in 186 cases and preservative treatment in 23.

RESULTS

In the operated group, 169 patients were cured. The complications occurred in 18 patients and 17 of them died. In the non-operated group, the complications occurred in 22 patients and only 1 of them died.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe injury and delayed treatment are two major factors leading to death from liver injuries. Surgical intervention is still the principal measure to treat traumatic hepatorrhexis. The indications for non-operative treatment should be carefully selected.