BACKGROUND: Portal vein injury is rare and frequently lethal because of exsanguination and high incidence of injuries to the adjacent structures. Due the peculiarity of this lesion and different conducts proposed in the literature, the authors' objetive is to report their experience in the treatment of this lesion. METHODS: This study, is a retrospective analysis between January 1994 and December 2001, during which 1370 patients were treated with laparotomy for isolated abdominal trauma. Among these patients 15 had injury to the portal vein. The injuries were classified according to extension and location. RESULTS: The predominant mechanism of trauma was penetrating. The diagnosis was made intraoperatively. The procedures were: suture, end-to-end anastomosis and ligation of the portal vein. The mortality rate was 53,3%. CONCLUSION: Portal vein lesion had high mortality and advanced assistance is essential to increase survivors.
Hilo hepatic; Pringle's maneuver; Portal vein; Abdominal trauma
