Surgical management of a retrohepatic inferior vena cava injury following blunt abdominal trauma

The clinical scenario of a 3 year-old child who sustained a retrohepatic inferior vena cava injury following blunt abdominal trauma is reported. The presentation, evaluation, and surgical management are discussed.

After sustaining a blunt retrohepatic inferior vena cava injury, damage control exploration was required to obtain hemostasis on this 3 year-old girl. Due to the amount of packing placed in the abdomen, the degree of shock bowel on presentation and the amount of continued bleeding from fulminant DIC, a large vacuum pack dressing was required to maintain temporary abdominal containment.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide