Hepatic compartment syndrome treated with damage control surgery and transarterial embolization: A case report

Background

Hepatic compartment syndrome (HCS) is a complication of nonoperative management in patients with blunt hepatic injury. Although decompression of elevated intrahepatic pressure through surgical exploration or drainage and hemorrhage control are required to manage this condition, evidence for such a management for this complication is insufficient. Herein, we report a pediatric patient treated with a planned combination strategy of surgical decompression with perihepatic packing to reduce intrahepatic pressure and subcapsular hemorrhage control as well as angioembolization to control intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

Case presentation

A 12-year-old boy was referred to our emergency department 5 h after sustaining severe bruising in the upper abdomen in a traffic accident. Computed tomography (CT) showed an intraparenchymal hematoma in the right lobe of the liver; nonoperative management was selected based on stable hemodynamic status. Two days after the injury, he complained of severe abdominal pain and shock. CT showed an intraparenchymal and large subcapsular hematoma with right branch compression of the portal vein and extravasation of contrast material. Laboratory data showed progression of hepatocellular damage. We successfully managed this patient with a planned combination strategy of surgical decompression with perihepatic packing for reduction of intrahepatic pressure and subcapsular hemorrhage control, followed by angioembolization for control of intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that for the management of HCS, a planned combination strategy of damage control surgery and angioembolization is a therapeutic option.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for subcapsular hematoma of the liver

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the technical and clinical success rates of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for subcapsular hematoma of the liver.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and March 2022, 34 patients underwent TAE for subcapsular hematomas of the liver. The causes of subcapsular hematoma were liver tumor rupture (n = 12), trauma (n = 12), iatrogenic complications (n = 9), and spontaneous bleeding (n = 1). The technical and clinical success rates of TAE, blood test results after TAE and additional treatments were evaluated. The patients were divided into either with or without retrograde segmental or lobar portal venous flow on angiography. Technical and clinical success rates and blood test results after TAE were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Technical and clinical success rates were 94.1% and 73.5%, respectively. Six patients died within one month of TAE. A repeat TAE was performed in three patients. Surgical removal and hemostasis for subcapsular hematoma were done in four patients. One patient had liver failure. The retrograde portal venous flow was observed in 18 patients. The difference in technical and clinical success rates and blood test results after TAE between the two groups was statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

TAE is an effective and safe treatment for subcapsular hematomas of the liver. The success rates of TAE and liver damage due to TAE did not differ between patients with and without retrograde portal venous flow.

Hepatic compartment syndrome complicating a right laparoscopic nephrectomy and treated by surgical decompression

The hepatic compartment syndrome (HCS) corresponds to compression of the intraparenchymal liver tissue (intrahepatic pressure greater than the portal vein pressure, i.e. >10-15mmHg) caused by a subcapsular or intraparenchymal hematoma of the liver. It can lead to reversal of portal flow and hepatic parenchymal necrosis. We report the case of a patient who underwent a right radical nephrectomy by laparoscopy and who presented with HCS due to a subcapsular hematoma of the liver. Emergency decompression of the liver via laparotomy was performed, which allowed rapid clinical and laboratory improvement.

Interventional Management of Subcapsular Hepatic Hematoma with Hepatic Compartment Syndrome After Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

Hepatic compartment syndrome is an increase in intrahepatic pressure sufficient to cause compromised hepatic perfusion. Early recognition and prompt management are essential for preventing catastrophic consequences including ischemic liver failure and hypovolemic shock. This is the rare case of laparoscopic adrenalectomy resulting in subcapsular hepatic hematoma with hepatic compartment syndrome. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated extensive subcapsular hepatic hematoma with collapse of portal vein and inferior vena cava suggesting impending compartment syndrome. Diagnostical catheter angiography of the liver revealed innumerable foci of petechial extravasation from disrupted isolated arteries. Emergent percutaneous catheter decompression and transarterial embolization were successful.