SPONTANEOUS LIVER RUPTURE IN THE LATE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of the liver is a rare and catastrophic complication of pregnancy. The liver is frequently enlarged and soft, and will not hold sutures. Ligation of the hepatic artery and packing of the liver are necessary to control the bleeding. However, a better way is to perform percutaneous angiographic embolization of the hepatic artery, preferably selectively. This may cause abscess formation, which can be percutaneously drained. Recurrent abscess formation requires surgical excision of the necrotic area of liver. The presented patient did well using this approach.