A horrible case of a gunshot wound that damaged the liver.
This patient has sustained a gunshot wound in the LUQ. Transfered imediately to the OR, a xiphopubic laparotomy with extention to the RUQ was done. He had a blasted liver (Grade V lesion) as the only intrabdominal lesion. No other visceral injuries! The patient died on table from exanguination.The liver is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, below the diaphragm. The liver has a wide range of functions, including detoxification of various metabolites, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. It also plays a role in metabolism, regulation of glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells and hormone production.The liver's highly specialized tissue consisting of mostly hepatocytes regulates a wide variety of high-volume biochemical reactions, including the synthesis and breakdown of small and complex molecules, many of which are necessary for normal vital functions.Credit: trauma.org
