What are the symptoms of liver rupture?

Feb 12, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
Liver rupture may present symptoms such as abdominal pain, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), melena, hematemesis (vomiting blood), and hemorrhagic shock. In addition, for mild cases of liver rupture, monitoring of vital signs and close observation are recommended. However, if there is severe intra-abdominal bleeding with unstable blood pressure, timely surgical intervention is necessary to control the bleeding. After surgery, it is essential to rest in bed adequately.

Under normal circumstances, liver rupture may present symptoms such as abdominal pain, hepatomegaly (liver enlargement), black stools (melena), hematemesis (vomiting blood), and hemorrhagic shock. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Abdominal Pain

Liver rupture may result from trauma or liver cancer, typically causing pain in the right abdomen. In severe cases, the pain may radiate to the right shoulder.

2. Hepatomegaly (Liver Enlargement)

Liver rupture can lead to internal bleeding, with blood accumulating in the abdominal cavity, possibly resulting in liver enlargement. The accumulated blood increases the liver's volume, thereby causing swelling in the liver area.

3. Black Stools (Melena)

Bleeding caused by liver rupture may lead to black stools when blood enters the digestive tract. This occurs because hemoglobin in the blood is converted into bilirubin under the action of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, turning the feces black.

4. Hematemesis (Vomiting Blood)

After a liver rupture, blood may flow through the bile ducts into the duodenum, potentially causing biliary tract bleeding, which leads to the symptom of vomiting blood.

5. Hemorrhagic Shock

If left untreated, liver rupture can cause excessive bleeding, leading to hemorrhagic shock. This results in pallor, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and, in severe cases, even coma.

In addition, for mild cases of liver rupture, vital sign monitoring and close observation are recommended. However, if intra-abdominal bleeding is severe and blood pressure is unstable, prompt surgical intervention is required to control the bleeding. After surgery, adequate bed rest is essential.

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