Liver injury (liver trauma)

Description The liver is in the...

Description

The liver is in the right upper abdomen partially protected by the ribs. The liver can be injured from blunt trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, fall, or being hit in the abdomen. This organ can also be damaged from a gunshot wound or stabbing. There are multiple different types of injuries ranging from a bruise to complete destruction of the liver. Liver injuries can bleed a great deal and lead to death if not treated immediately. A patient cannot live without a liver so only the damaged parts of the liver that cannot be saved will be removed. The liver can regenerate itself if the bleeding can be stopped. Some liver injuries are caused by a biopsy of the liver, but this is rare.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, pain in the right upper abdomen, abdominal pain that increases with a deep breath, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, light headedness, fainting, abdominal distention, weak pulse.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests and a CT scan will be performed to determine the extent of the injury.

Tests:
Blood type, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Clotting studies

Specialists:
General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Treatment

Treatment depends on the extent of the liver injury. Some injuries can be watched closely in the hospital to ensure there is no continued bleeding. Some injuries require surgery to repair the injury. A blood transfusion may be needed. At times an interventional radiologist can block the artery feeding the injured area of the liver preventing surgery.