[Subcapsular hematoma--a grade I liver injury]

The authors give an account of 11 patients hospitalized in 1975-1988 in the Traumatological Research Institute in Brno with a subcapsular haematoma of the liver. In case of suspected liver injury they use nowadays examination by ultrasound. Laparotomy must not be delayed in patients with unstable vital functions only because of various diagnostic examinations. The therapeutic success in liver injuries depends on early operation, correct resuscitation and selection of an optimal surgical procedure which depends above all on the type and grade of severity of the injury.