Delayed hepatic resection for major liver injury.

Seven patients with major liver injury initially assessed and managed elsewhere, and then referred to the Hepatobiliary Unit at Hammersmith Hospital, London, are reported. Six of the 7 patients had been operated upon and 4 had undergone two laparotomies before referral. All were seriously ill as a result of bleeding or liver necrosis and infection. Further laparotomy was carried out for the control bleeding, débridement of dead tissue and drainage of infected material. Hepatic resection was performed in all patients and 3 of the 7 died in the postoperative period. Liver resection is necessary for the control of bleeding and removal of dead tissue in severe shattering injuries. Should temporary packing be instituted in order to obtain control, then early referral for definitive treatment is necessary. Delay is dangerous and extension of necrosis with secondary infection is inevitable.