Liver Injury (Liver Laceration)
Description
The liver is in the right upper abdomen partially protected by the ribs. The liver can be injured from blunt trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, fall, or being hit in the abdomen. This organ can also be damaged from a gun shot wound or stabbing. There are multiple different types of injuries ranging from a bruise to complete destruction of the liver. Liver injuries can bleed a great deal and lead to death if not treated immediately. A patient cannot live without a liver so only the damaged parts of the liver that cannot be saved will be removed. The liver can regenerate itself if the bleeding can be stopped. Some liver injuries occur after a biopsy of the liver is taken.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, pain in the right upper abdomen, abdominal pain that increases with a deep breath, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, light headedness, fainting, abdominal distention, weak pulse.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests and a CT scan will be performed to determine the extent of the injury.
- Blood type
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Clotting studies
Treatment
Treatment depends on the extent of the liver injury. Some injuries can be watched closely in the hospital to ensure there is no continued bleeding. Some injuries require surgery to repair the injury. A blood transfusion may be needed. At times an interventional radiologist can block the artery feeding the injured area of the liver preventing surgery.
Related Videos
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Liver injury (Liver laceration)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.