Stab wounds of the liver. An evaluation of 131 consecutive cases

The records of 131 consecutive patients treated for liver stab wounds during a 20-year period were reviewed. All were operated on. Bleeding from the liver injury ceased spontaneously before operation in 41% of the cases. The chest, stomach and extremities were the most common sites of associated injury. In 36% the liver was the only injured organ. The liver injury was managed with simple surgical techniques in all but three cases. The mortality rate was 4.6%, and only one of the six deaths was directly attributable to the liver injury. Complications, mostly involving the lungs and the wound, arose in 27% of the series. Stab wounds of the liver are relatively benign and the great majority can be satisfactorily treated with simple surgery. Excluding juxtahepatic venous injuries, the mortality and morbidity are due mainly to associated injuries.