Massive liver haemorrhage and rupture caused by HELLP-syndrome treated by collagen fleeces coated with fibrin glue

[Subcapsular hematoma and rupture of the liver graft]

Subcapsular hematoma and/or rupture of the graft is uncommon but serious complication of liver transplantation. It may develop spontaneously or following parenchymal injuries or percutaneous transhepatic invasive procedures. This report describes three cases of subcapsular hematoma and/or rupture of the graft with different courses among 350 liver transplantations. In the first case, the patient died due to graft rupture caused by a pseudoaneurysm after biopsy. In the second case, a small injury of the donor liver resulted in a deep rupture, which required partial resection of the graft. The patient died in sepsis later. The third patient presented with a large subcapsular haematoma during transplantation, which was successfully treated. The authors' strategies developed intraoperatively for the management of hematomas. These involve opening and removing of the haematoma, haemostasis with Argon coagulation, which resulted in an adherent Glisson's capsule to the parenchyma and covering with collagen fleece coated with fibrinogen and thrombin.

Evolution of fibrinogen-coated collagen patch for use as a topical hemostatic agent

Human fibrinogen and thrombin have been combined and coated onto a collagen patch for use as a topical hemostatic agent. These agents have now been used for many years to induce rapid hemostasis and tissue sealing after various indications including thoracic-, plastic-, pediatric-, liver-, and minimally invasive surgery. The only ready-to-use fibrinogen-coated collagen patch at this moment, the third-generation surgical patch (SP-3), contains no bovine aprotinin (antifibrinolytic protein) in contrast to its precursor SP-2, and is thus devoid of bovine-derived components. In vitro studies have shown equal bioequivalence between SP-2 and SP-3. Various experiments in animal models under normal, stressful, and hyperfibrinolytic conditions showed that SP-3 has comparable tissue sealing properties and also outperformed fibrin sealants alone in some studies. The results from these pre-clinical bridging studies showed that aprotinin is not essential for the therapeutic efficacy of SP-3. In conclusion, SP-3 has evolved into a rapid, ready-to-use adjunct to primary measures for tissue sealing and hemostasis, suitable in cardiovascular-, thoracic-, neuro-, spleen-, kidney-, and liver-surgery.

Subcapsular liver hematoma in HELLP syndrome: Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic options--a unicenter study

OBJECTIVE

Subcapsular liver hematoma formation has been reported in less than 2% of pregnancies complicated by HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome. The purpose of this study was to identify the main diagnostic and therapeutic options for management of these patients.

STUDY DESIGN

In this 10-year retrospective review, we performed a computer-directed search of all cases of confirmed HELLP syndrome with hepatic hematoma treated in the surgical department of our tertiary care referral medical center.

RESULTS

Five patients with subcapsular liver hematoma in HELLP syndrome could be identified. All patients received transabdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Conservative treatment was successful in three patients. Emergency surgical intervention was necessary in two patients, including one liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

The case series shows the full diagnostic spectrum with transabdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the different therapeutic options varying from conservative therapy to operative management, including liver transplantation.

Surgical treatment of HELLP syndrome-associated liver rupture -- an update

In some 2% of the cases of the HELLP syndrome, severe spontaneous bleeding into the liver accompanied by haemorrhagic liver cell necrosis and rupture of the organ occurs and represents one of the main cause of death. On the basis of our own experience with four cases, a review of the literature is presented with particular focus on a therapeutic concept based on appropriate surgery. Within a MEDLINE search covering the period 1990-1999, the case reports of this kind of liver complication in the literature were analysed in terms of clinical course and outcome.In addition to our own four patients, a total of 49 cases with rupture of the liver were found in the literature. Despite surgical interventions, HELLP syndrome-associated liver rupture carried a mortality of 39%. Most patients died of haemorrhagic shock and organ failure. In order to improve survival, patients with ruptured liver or hepatic failure should be transferred to a centre with the necessary experience in liver surgery including liver transplantation. An interdisciplinary approach is required, including the use of temporary packing of the liver to control the bleeding, and during the further course of the condition, possibly even liver transplantation, as in one of our own cases.