Repair of suprahepatic caval lesions under extracorporeal circulation in major liver trauma.

ABSTRACT

A case of major hepatic injury with associated juxtahepatic trauma is reported. Repair of the injuries was effected with the aid of extracorporeal circulation. This aided exposure of the bleeding site while at the same time minimizing blood loss. Hypothermia is an added benefit of this approach, decreasing the risk of hepatic ischaemia.