Liver trauma in children: Our experience

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the percentage, etiology, associated injuries and outcome of the children with liver trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective review all children below 15 years of age who had sustained abdominal trauma were included. the study duration was January 1994 to December 2004. RESULTS: Out of a total number of 436 trauma patients 34 were identified to have liver trauma (including one death). The median age was 5.89 and range: 1 to 14 years). Boys accounted for 76.4% (n = 26), and the most common cause was motor vehicle injuries, accounting for 41.17% (n = 14). Nine children underwent surgery (26.4%). Head injuries were the most common associated injuries, and the mortality rate was 2.94% (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The liver remained the second most commonly injured intraabdominal organ and nonoperative management is the preferred treatment for hemodynamically stable patients.