Biliary Complications after Hepatic Trauma in Children.

ABSTRACT

AIM OF THE STUDY In pediatric patients with liver trauma and hemodynamic stability, conservative treatment is acknowledged as the gold standard. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 116 consecutive pediatric patients (<14-year-old) observed at our institution for closed abdominal trauma from January 2010 to January 2016. Among these, 16 patients (13%) had hepatic trauma Grade II or more, according to Moore liver trauma injury score. RESULTS: Only one patient underwent surgery for hemodynamic instability; all others children received conservative treatment according to the American Paediatric Surgical Association guidelines. Three patients had a biliary complication (2, 5%). two patients treated surgically by drainage insertion and one was managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary complications of liver trauma in children may require aggressive surgical approach in selective patients.