S36.116

Clinical Causes: Trauma from car accidents or falls Penetrating injuries such as stab wounds or gunshot wounds Blunt force trauma from sports injuries or industrial accidents Crush injuries from heavy objects or machinery

Key Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain or tenderness Swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen Signs of internal bleeding such as dizziness, fainting, or low blood pressure Nausea and vomiting Bruising or discoloration around the abdomen Possible jaundice if liver function is affected

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing a major liver laceration involves multiple steps. Medical professionals usually start with a physical examination to assess pain and signs of bleeding. Imaging studies play a key role, particularly: - **Ultrasound** to detect fluid accumulation and visualize liver injury - **Computed Tomography (CT) scan** to determine the size, location, and extent of the laceration In some cases, laboratory tests such as blood counts and liver function tests are also conducted to evaluate blood loss and liver performance. The diagnosis helps determine whether urgent surgical intervention is necessary.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options depend on the severity of the liver laceration. Approaches include: - **Conservative management** for stable patients involves bed rest, monitoring, and supportive care, including transfusions if needed. - **Surgical intervention** might be necessary for serious lacerations with ongoing bleeding or hemodynamic instability. Procedures can involve suturing the laceration, controlling bleeding, or in severe cases, liver resection. - **Endovascular procedures** like embolization may be used to control bleeding from specific vessels. - Post-treatment care includes close monitoring, pain management, and prevention of complications such as infections or further bleeding. Recovery can vary based on the injury's extent and the treatment response.