Minimally invasive management of blunt hepatic trauma complications

Abstract

Background: Nonoperative management of blunt hepatic trauma is successful in 95% of hemodynamically stable patients. The complication rate of high-grade injuries is 14% and mortality reaches 27% when they require open surgery.
Material and methods: We conducted a descriptive study of case reports.
Results: Three cases of high-grade hepatic trauma are reported. “A”: initial nonoperative management, laparoscopic lavage due to symptomatic hemoperitoneum, percutaneous drainage of liver abscess, catheter replacement and ERCP due to persistent biliary fistula. “B”: initial damage control surgery without liver resections, percutaneous drainage of liver abscess and catheter replacement. “C”: initial nonoperative management, laparoscopic lavage due to symptomatic hemoperitoneum, percutaneous drainage of liver abscess and catheter replacement. None of the patients died.
Conclusion: These cases summarize the use of different management modalities of blunt hepatic trauma and the possibility of minimally invasive management of the complications.