Hepatic resection: the logical approach to surgical management of major trauma to the liver

Abstract

Recent reports on the management of hepatic trauma have discouraged hepatic resection and supported hepatic artery ligation, "resectional debridement" and even packing. These nonresectional procedures are based on misguided principles and should never replace resection. Traditional methods of conducting hepatic resection in an emergency as used in the West probably cause delay in achieving immediate hemostasis, thus contributing to mortality. Compared with Western reports, our mortality for major hepatic resections is considerably low. This is probably due to faster resection and achievement of hemostasis by our clamping techniques. We conclude that it is quite logical to perform resection as the first line of treatment in major hepatic trauma.