Unexpected extensive hemorrhage from a subcapsular hematoma of the liver during emergent laparotomy in a premature neonate

Authors

• Jeong H. Park, From the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea
• Wonho Cho, From the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea
• Min A. Kwon, From the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea

Abstract

A subcapsular hematoma of the liver is often found during autopsy in stillborn infants rather than clinically. It is usually asymptomatic unless ruptured; thus, the diagnosis is often delayed or missed. Rupture of a subcapsular hematoma in a premature neonate causes massive intraabdominal hemorrhage, which is associated with high mortality. Thus, early recognition and treatment to avoid rupture are imperative. We describe a case of life-threatening hemorrhage from a subcapsular hematoma of the liver during emergent laparotomy for mechanical obstruction in an 860 g premature neonate and discuss the appropriate preoperative preparation and anesthetic management for this case.

Article Type

Case Report

First Page

836

Last Page

839

Recommended Citation

Park, Jeong H.; Cho, Wonho; and Kwon, Min A. (2019) "Unexpected extensive hemorrhage from a subcapsular hematoma of the liver during emergent laparotomy in a premature neonate," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 40: Iss. 8, Article 13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2019.8.24376