[Balloon tamponade in penetrating liver lesions. Technical note].
BACKGROUND
The objective of this work was to evaluate the utility and the effectiveness of the intraparenchymatous balloon tamponade for transfixing lesions of the liver. An analysis is made of the results of an experimental surgical technique during 12 months in patients with gunshot wounds producing hepatic transfixing lesions.


METHODS
Twelve patients have been treated, all of masculine sex, with middle age of 22 years, in which the hepatic transfixing lesions have been treated with intraparenchymatous balloon tamponade built intraoperatively with Nelaton and a drain of great latex. This system is filled with physiological solution and hydrosoluble contrast medium for further radiological controls. All the patients have been enrolled at the department of General Surgery of the Hospital "José Maria Vargas" of Caracas (Central University of Venezuela).


RESULTS
This method has been used with good results, without postoperative bleeding and neither after the balloon removal.


CONCLUSIONS
The intraparenchymatous balloon tamponade in the hepatic transfixing lesions is a sure procedure, rapid and easy, particularly in the emergency rooms of countries that have a high index of abdominal trauma with gunshot wounds and they are not always endowed with all the surgical medical requirements to treat these severe and difficult hepatic lesions.
Pellegrino
A
A
Divisione di Chirurgia Generale II, Ospedale José Maria Vargas de Caracas, Università Centrale del Venezuela.
Taronna
I
I
Vento
G
G
Mathison
L
L
Del Medico
P
P
Smitter
J
J
Carretta
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D021721:Balloon Occlusion; D001658:Biliary Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000628:therapy*
Tamponamento con sonda a palloncino nelle lesioni trasfisse del fegato. Nota di tecnica.