Evolution in the treatment of complex blunt liver injuries

Over the last decade, major changes in the treatment of patients with blunt liver injuries have occurred, specifically with the nonoperative treatment of more complex injuries. These major changes can be summarized as follows: 1. Patients with blunt liver injuries are screened expeditiously by surgeon-performed ultrasonography. Depending on the initial findings and response to resuscitation, further decisions are made regarding the further evaluation. 2. Computed tomographic scanning is the mainstay of diagnosis for hepatic injuries after blunt trauma; the initial CT findings will help the trauma surgeon to determine the nonoperative treatment. 3. Liver injuries of grades I through III can be observed safely in a monitored unit and not necessarily in an ICU setting. Patients with injuries of grades IV and V are best initially observed in an ICU. 4. More than two thirds of patients with injuries of grades IV and V can be treated nonoperatively. However, 50% of these patients will require some type of interventional treatment, but not necessarily a laparotomy. 5. Initial findings on the CT scan can help to identify those patients who will need some type of interventional treatment and to identify associated injuries. 6. Elderly patients or patients with associated medical comorbidities can also be treated nonoperatively if strict guidelines are followed. 7. Complications in patients with complex blunt liver injuries are not uncommon. However, most of the complications can be safely treated by less invasive procedures.