Scintigraphy with 99mTc-HIDA in assessment of the postoperative course after traumatic lesions of the liver and biliary tract.

99mTc-HIDA scintigraphy was used as a diagnostic procedure in five children with liver and biliary tract injuries following blunt abdominal trauma. The method was used in patients after surgical intervention. The children fell into three groups. The first, focal reduction in activity with or without extravasation. The second, normal hepatic parenchymal phase with extravasation. The third, increased focal activity (biloma). We concluded that the use of 99mTc-HIDA scintigraphy supplies important information in the diagnostic work-up and informs about the proper time for removal of T-tube drainage. This method is also recommended preoperatively in children who are clinically stable and in whom trauma to the liver and biliary tract is suspected.