[Conservative treatment of blunt liver injuries]

15 patients with blunt liver injuries were treated without operation. The extent of the injury was evaluated by computed tomography and median score was 3 (according to Mirvis and co-workers) (range 2-4). The mean lowest haemoglobin concentration was 10.4 g/100 ml (range 7.0-15.8). Two patients needed blood transfusion and two developed complications, one of which was related to the liver injury (cyst). No patient died, and mean hospitalization time was 11 days. This encouraging experience prompted the introduction of a treatment programme formalizing initial investigation and observation in such patients. Most patients with blunt liver injuries can be treated non-operatively. Surgery is indicated only if bleeding leads to haemodynamic instability or if other intraabdominal injuries are suspected.