Liver trauma in a young woman

A young woman fell off a horse, leaving her right flank contused by a hoof. This resulted in a severe liver trauma that seemed to require surgical treatment. After fluid resuscitation and five units of red blood cells the patient's status, however, stabilized upon entering the operating room. The operation was avoided, but intensive care follow-up was continued for six days. The patient made a complete recovery. Conservative treatment of liver trauma is successful in 90% of mild and almost 70% in severe traumas.