What to do if liver cells are damaged

There are hepatocytes in the liver, which cannot be easily damaged under normal circumstances. If the hepatocytes are damaged, it may be the wound that is causing the problem. Wounds may form in the liver before a person undergoes surgery. Inflammation can cause serious damage to the hepatocytes, so corresponding examinations and diagnoses are needed under normal circumstances to find out the cause and then treat it.

Hepatocellular damage

For open injuries, it is usually not difficult to diagnose liver damage based on the location, depth and direction of the wound. The diagnosis of closed true liver laceration with obvious intra-abdominal bleeding and peritoneal irritation signs is not difficult. However, for subcapsular liver laceration, subcapsular hematoma and central laceration, it may be difficult to diagnose liver laceration when the symptoms and signs are not obvious. A comprehensive analysis must be made based on the injury and clinical manifestations, and changes in vital signs and abdominal signs must be closely observed.

Inspection method

The following tests may help with diagnosis:

(I) Diagnostic abdominal puncture

This method is of great value in diagnosing rupture of intra-abdominal organs, especially laceration of solid organs. Generally, if the blood does not coagulate, it can be considered that there is internal organ damage. However, a false-negative result may occur when the amount of bleeding is small, so a negative puncture result cannot rule out visceral injury. If necessary, multiple punctures can be performed at different locations and times, or diagnostic peritoneal lavage can be performed to assist in diagnosis.

(ii) Regular measurement of red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit

Observe its dynamic changes. If there are signs of progressive anemia, it indicates internal bleeding.

(III) B-mode ultrasound examination

This method can not only detect intraperitoneal blood accumulation, but also helps in the diagnosis of subcapsular hematoma and intrahepatic hematoma. It is commonly used in clinical practice.

(iv) X-ray examination may reveal subcapsular hematoma or hollow organ damage.

5. Liver radionuclide scanning

For closed injuries with unclear diagnosis, suspected subcapsular or intrahepatic hematoma, and non-urgent conditions, an isotope liver scan may be performed if the patient's condition permits. Patients with hematoma will show radioactive defect areas in the liver.

6. Selective hepatic artery angiography

This method can be used for some closed injuries that are difficult to diagnose, such as suspected intrahepatic hematoma, and the injury is not very urgent. Diagnostic signs such as aneurysm formation of intrahepatic artery branches or contrast agent extravasation may be seen. However, this is an invasive examination with complicated operation. It can only be performed under certain conditions and cannot be used as a routine examination.