Liver injuries

The liver is an organ that sits under your lungs and above your stomach. It is protected by the right side of your ribcage. It is our largest internal organ and is part of the digestive system.

The size and location of the liver makes it easy to injure. This can be from a direct hit to your chest or abdomen, such as from a:

• fall
• sports injury
• car accident.

Liver injuries are painful and can cause your breathing to be shallower than normal. It can also cause your skin to be:

• cold
• clammy (damp and sticky)
• pale or bluish in colour.

You may also notice a swollen abdomen if there is severe bleeding.

A CT scan is used to identify a liver injury. In some cases emergency surgery is needed to control bleeding and remove the damaged portion, so a diagnosis is made then.

Most liver injuries do not need surgery, and any bleeding will stop by itself. This will depend on the type of injury and how bad it is. This usually take about 6 weeks. Treatments for liver injuries may include:

• bed rest
• pain medication, which can be taken by mouth or IV fluids — sometimes a machine you can use to give yourself pain relief (an analgesia machine)
• embolisation — blocking a blood vessel with a coil or foam to stop bleeding
• removing the damaged portion of your liver.

To make sure your liver is healing, your healthcare provider will:

• check for signs of bleeding by checking your blood pressure and heart rate
• do daily blood tests to check your blood count, clotting factors and liver function tests.

Damage to your bile ducts

The liver makes bile which helps your stomach digest food. If your bile ducts are also injured, bile may leak into your abdominal cavity. Bile duct injuries may be treated by putting a:

• drain in the area of the leak so bile does not build up while the duct heals
• tube (stent) over the leak so the duct can heal and drain the usual way — the tube is removed after the duct has healed, usually 6 to 8 weeks.

Damage to your bile ducts can slow down recovery from a liver injury.

You may feel full and bloated when eating after a liver injury, and you may want to eat less than usual. You should try snacking during the day instead of having 3 full meals.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of constipation.

To help your liver heal, after a liver injury you should avoid:

• alcohol for about 6 weeks
• aggressive or physically active sports and activities for at least 3 months.

Once your liver is fully healed it will not limit your diet, ability to work, or recreational activities.

See your healthcare provider if:

• your pain is getting worse
• you get any sudden or new abdominal pain
• you have a fever or get any dizziness.