[Resuscitation in severe hepatic injuries].

Abstract

Hepatic injuries account for about 45% of all abdominal traumas and for 30 to 40% of penetrating abdominal injuries. In 60% of the cases, they are associated with other lesions, especially life-threatening head injuries. Abdominal ultrasonography, a short and safe procedure enabling guided puncture, has developed rapidly relegating to the second rank other diagnostic techniques such as peritoneal lavage and CT scan. First line treatment of severe trauma complicated by haemorragic shock combines fluid resuscitation, prevention of hypothermia and administration of broad spectrum antibiotics. Surgical care, relying mainly on perihepatic packing and vascular exclusion techniques must remain as conservative as possible. Once haemodynamics have been stabilized in patients who do not present any other abdominal lesion requiring laparotomy, the non-interventional attitude is often successful and bears lower morbidity.