Liver Trauma
Liver trauma occurs when an injury damages the liver, often after a road accident, fall or impact to the abdomen. Because the liver has many blood vessels, severe injuries can cause major bleeding.
Symptoms
Upper abdominal pain, tenderness, bruising, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure. Internal bleeding may not be visible externally.
How interventional radiology treats it
Angiography may identify a bleeding liver artery. Selective embolisation blocks the injured vessel and helps control bleeding. This can be used in suitable patients as part of non-operative management. Severe injuries may still require surgery or other emergency treatment. Monitoring and follow-up imaging depend on the extent of the injury.
Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.
Your doctors
Talk to an interventional radiologist.
Bring any scans or reports you have. We’ll tell you whether this treatment is an option.