[Diagnosis and treatment of liver injuries and their sequelae]

The authors studied 222 cases of closed and open injuries to the liver and, in addition, had 5 patients who were treated for sequelae of injury (hemobilia, abscesses, biliary fistula of the liver). The diagnosis of open injuries to the liver is established without great difficulties; laparocentesis and laparoscopy are indicated in closed injury. The volume of the operation is determined by the character of the damage: closure of the hepatic wound proves sufficient in most patients; surgical debridement is necessary in deep extensive wounds; resection of the liver is resorted to in disturbed blood supply. The high postoperative mortality rate is due to the fact that 71.8% of patients had concurrent injuries of the liver, other abdominal organs, organs of other cavities, central nervous system, and the locomotor apparatus.