Liver injury

The liver is the largest solid organ in the abdominal cavity and performs important physiological functions of the body. Hepatocytes have poor tolerance to hypoxia; therefore, the liver is supplied with abundant blood from the hepatic artery and portal vein, and bile ducts accompany the blood vessels to transport bile. It is located deep in the right upper abdomen, protected by the lower chest wall and diaphragm. However, because the liver is large in volume and fragile in texture, it is easily injured by blunt force, resulting in intra-abdominal hemorrhage or bile leakage, which may cause hemorrhagic shock and/or biliary peritonitis with serious consequences. Timely diagnosis and proper management are essential.