Liver Injury

Line drawing of a child with a lacerated liver.

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Your child’s belly (abdomen) has been injured. This has led to a liver injury. The injury may be a cut, bruise, or tear.

  • The liver is a large, reddish-brown organ in the upper right part of the belly (Picture 1).
  • The liver does a few things, such as storing iron and making proteins and bile.
  • Due to where the liver is in the body and its size, it can get injured easily.

Grading System

Doctors use a grading system to describe how serious the liver injury is.
  • This grading system is based on how big or deep the injury is. It ranges from Grade 1 to 5.
    • Grade 1 is the smallest cut or bruise.
    • Grade 5 is a large cut or complex injury with a high risk for bleeding.
  • The surgeon will use this grading scale to decide how to treat your child.
  • The grading scale is also used as a guide for your child to return to play and sports.

Treatment

Most of the time, the liver will heal itself. Treatment is based on your child’s injury.

  • If the injury is severe, surgery may be needed to repair the liver.
  • The doctor or health care provider will monitor your child’s blood levels and order medicine to control pain.

Care at Home

After your child leaves the hospital, they cannot play sports or take part in gym class until approved by the trauma clinic.

Call the trauma clinic if your child has:

  • Belly pain that gets worse
  • A fever over 100.8° Fahrenheit (F) or 38.2° Celsius (C)
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or throwing up (vomiting)

 

Liver Injury (PDF)

HH-I-280  •  ©2007, revised 2023  •  Nationwide Children’s Hospital