Laparoscopic management of penetrating liver trauma: a safe intervention for hemostasis

We describe the case of a 48-year-old woman who underwent emergent diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy after sustaining two self-inflicted abdominal stab wounds. After evacuation of approximately 1.5 L hemoperitoneum, a through-and-through liver injury with active bleeding was locally packed with hemostatic agents (Surgicel and Avitene) to achieve successful hemostasis. The patient also underwent systematic exploration of the abdominal cavity, which was free of associated injury. She had an uneventful recovery. This case adds to the growing evidence supporting the role of therapeutic laparoscopy in the safe management of carefully selected stable patients with penetrating abdominal trauma.