[Severe liver injuries].

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of all post-mortem reports made by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Brno between 1972 and 1981, where a hepatic trauma was present (495 cases). Only 73 patients, suffering from a liver injury mostly in combination with concomitant injuries were admitted in time. All others came to death during transportation or before surgical help could be established. Diagnostically the authors emphasise urgent laparoscopy and in special cases selective arteriography, sonography and CT. Partial resection of the liver segments should be preferred to tamponade of liver wounds which is no longer recommended.