Liver Hematoma Treatment

A liver hematoma can be caused by an injury to the liver. Adults typically receive liver injuries as the result of automobile accidents. Children are also prone to liver injuries due to the fact that the rib cage is still very flexible, allowing more force to be delivered to the liver upon impact.

Identification

• Hematomas are often a result of trauma to the liver. A hematoma may occur when blood collects outside of the blood vessels of the liver.

Causes

• The liver is the organ that is most likely injured by penetrating trauma. This type of trauma may include knives, bullets, and shrapnel. A penetration injury can cause a hematoma on the liver.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a liver hematoma may include abdominal tenderness, signs of blood loss, nausea, vomiting, and elevation of liver enzymes.

Diagnosis

• A doctor may make the diagnosis of a liver hematoma by physical examination and by diagnostic testing such as a CT scan or MRI. Emergency room doctors often use ultrasound techniques to diagnose liver injuries from penetration injuries.

Treatment

• Doctors typically take the most conservative approach possible when treating liver hematoma patients. According to the American Association For The Surgery Of Trauma (AAST), approximately 80 percent of adults with liver hematomas and 97 percent of children are treated by monitoring the signs of liver injury and only intervening surgically when absolutely necessary. Surgical studies have shown that approximately 86 percent of liver injuries have stopped bleeding by the time surgery is performed.