Selectivity in the management of hepatic trauma.

Retrospective review of 178 consecutive patients who sustained hepatic injuries confirms that selective application of hepatic artery ligation is an efficient means of definitive hemostasis. Only two of 20 immediate deaths resulted from hepatic parenchymal hemorrhage. Over-all mortality (20%) was not significantly increased where hepatic artery ligation was used. Sepsis was the most frequent complication after severe hepatic trauma.