Abstract
Management of blunt hepatic trauma has evolved significantly over the last 20 years, with nonoperative management being the primary strategy in over 80% of cases. In all cases, management strategy is dictated by the patient’s physical examination, hemodynamic status, and diagnostic imaging results. Hemodynamically unstable patients and/or those with evidence of intra-abdominal free fluid require laparotomy. Stable patients can be deferred to CT scan for further imaging workup, with the majority only requiring ICU admission and nonoperative management.