Management of blunt liver trauma in children.

Introduction Management of liver trauma in childhood represents a rare but formidable challenge.

Methods Clinical presentation, grade of liver injury and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were studied in 11 cases of blunt liver trauma to examine factors influencing outcome.

Results Seven of the 11 children were injured severely and had an ISS greater than 16. Seven who were haemodynamically stable were treated without operation, but four required surgery for grade 111, IV and V liver injuries. Two children had primary repair of hepatic lacerations. Perihepatic packing was employed in two other cases (grade IV and V injury) for uncontrollable haemorrhage. Delayed debridement and thrombectomy plus vena cava repair with suturing of liver lacerations in these patients obviated heroic efforts at primary repair. Nine children survived. There were two deaths from head and neck trauma.

Discussion Selected children with liver trauma can be managed non‐operatively using established trauma guidelines. Perihepatic packing is recommended in unstable patients with complex injuries, followed by delayed definitive repair.