Treatment of hepatic trauma with perihepatic mesh: 35 cases

In a series of 61 trauma cases, 35 liver injuries (Moore's classes 2 to 5) were repaired using a polyglactin 910 perihepatic prosthesis. Two deaths (one coma, one avulsion of the inferior vena cava) were observed. Two centrohepatic hematomas were successfully treated by percutaneous needle aspiration. No hemobilia and no abscess of the liver occurred. Rapidly obtained hemostasis and cholestasis result in a large savings of blood. Progressive disappearance of the lesions was observed with repeat CT scanning until full recovery of the parenchyma was achieved. This was verified by biopsy and histologic examination and also by means of specific hepatic function tests.