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Pericardial complications in hepatic trauma
The Journal of Trauma
|April 1, 1985
Summary
Liver trauma often requires thoracic surgery, leading to potentially fatal pericardial complications. Prompt closure of the pericardium after surgery can mitigate these risks in patients with hepatic trauma.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Liver trauma management frequently necessitates thoracic cavity entry.
- Hepatic trauma patients undergoing combined thoracic and abdominal surgery face specific risks.
Observation:
- Nine deaths occurred among 35 patients requiring thoracic cavity entry for liver trauma.
- Four of nine survivors with combined incisions developed pericardial complications.
Findings:
- Postpericardiotomy syndrome and late pericarditis were observed.
- Cases of pericardial tamponade and constrictive pericarditis required intervention, including emergency thoracotomy and pericardiectomy.
Implications:
- Data suggest closing the pericardium after pericardiotomy is advisable.
- Pericardial complications in hepatic trauma are a significant concern, occurring early or late postoperatively and carrying a potential for fatality.