Selective ligation of the hepatic artery for trauma of the liver.

Selective ligation of sundry hepatic arteries in patients with hepatic trauma obviated death from hepatic bleeding in 59 of 60 patients treated with this method of hemostasis. Hepatic insufficiency did not occur in survivors. Reconstitution of intrahepatic arterial flow is rapidly accomplished by collateral arteries. When the source of hemorrhage is perihepatic, that is, hepatic veins and retrohepatic vena cava, hepatic artery ligation is ineffective. Two patients died from this kind of hemorrhage.