Liver Trauma Diagnosis and Surgical Management

ABSTRACT

Background: Liver trauma is one of the most common affected organs in blunt abdominal trauma. It is associatedwith a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, choosing the best modality for diagnosis and managingsuch high-risk patients is crucial. Objectives: In this study, we aim to review the literature focused on mechanismof liver trauma, pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management with a focus on surgical approach.Methodology: PubMed database was used for articles selection using the following keywords liver injury, andits management, and evaluation. Conclusion: Management of liver trauma patients depends on their status duringthe general assessment of the case. In hemodynamically unstable patients and those with gun-shot wounds, thefirst line is surgery. However, non-operative management remains the mainstay of therapy in blunt liver injury.The main rule dictating this decision is hemodynamic stability. Certain factors increase the risk of failedconservative therapy, and these should alert the surgeon to the possibility of conversion to the surgicalintervention.