[Indications and results of conservative treatment of closed trauma of the liver].

During the last years, a marked change toward a more conservative approach in the treatment of abdominal trauma especially liver blunt trauma has been noted. The rationale for a conservative management is to avoid the operation or whenever this is not possible, to perform less extensive surgical resections. This approach, initially used in handling splenic trauma, is justified by the finding of spontaneous haemostasis in about half of liver injuries at the time of laparotomy. Moreover, the finding of an haemoperitoneum without signs of circulatory instability is not an absolute indication to laparotomy. In conclusion, the importance of CT and Ultrasonography in the selection of patients suitable for nonoperative treatment as well as in follow up studies is emphasized.