title: Argon beam coagulator for treatment of hepatic rupture with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We present a case of hepatic rupture secondary to hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and the novel use of the argon beam coagulator in achieving hemostasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patient presented at 33 5/7 weeks of gestation with elevated liver transaminases, thrombocytopenia, and ultrasonographic findings consistent with hepatic rupture. She underwent an emergent cesarean delivery followed by exploration of her abdomen by hepatobiliary surgeons. An expanding hematoma with rupture of the right lobe of the liver was identified. The hematoma was unroofed, and hemostasis was obtained using the argon beam coagulator. The patient was discharged home in good condition 9 days after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With a multidisciplinary approach and the argon beam coagulator, we were able to achieve an excellent clinical outcome in a patient with hepatic rupture from HELLP syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of California-Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California 92868, USA. vshrivas@uci.edu
authors.forename: Vineet K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Shrivastava
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Imagawa
authors.forename: Deborah A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Wing
mesh_terms: D001128:Argon; D005260:Female; D017359:HELLP Syndrome; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous
chemical_list: D001128:Argon