[Central rupture of the liver in multiple injuries]

Authors evaluate clinical material of polytraumatized patients operated on account of liver injury during the last 15 years. The contribution of new imaging techniques is analyzed, especially of spiral computed tomography, for the diagnosis of liver injuries and associated injuries of the abdomen and retroperitoneum. These techniques enable in stabilized patients with the trauma I, II injuries and in some cases of grade III injuries to prefer conservative treatment. During the last 3 years the authors treated 5 polytraumatized patients with central liver rupture. Consistent with experience of major trauma centres in USA and Switzerland, criteria for conservative treatment are outlined, especially in patients of younger age groups.