Hi I have broken 3 ribs on my right side. I have been asked to go back to the doctors tomorrow to be examined as I have a suspected swollen liver. Pain in upper right abdommen and fullness on right side / shoulder/ Could this have happened from the accident and what will the teamment be?
Hi there, Usually after rib fractures and an accident, the liver can be damaged and bleeding - this is known as a liver laceration. Depending on the trauma, this can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, the bleeding areas need to be(embolized) or removed via surgery. However, the fact that you're at home and going to the doctor means that your case likely isn't severe. If you were bleeding enough to require surgery, you'd likely be so sick that you'd be passed out before you could write this question. You could have a mild liver laceration, in which the treatment is just waiting as the body will heal this on its own.  The treatment for you will likely be avoiding contact sports or collisions, and just waiting. Also avoiding any medications that can make you more likely to bleed such as ibuprofen will also be recommended to you. I hope this is helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.