%0 Journal Article %A Oscar J F van Waes %A J A Halm %A J Vermeulen %A V C McAlister %T Treatment of rectal war wounds %D 2014 %R 10.1136/jramc-2013-000144 %J Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps %P 255-257 %V 160 %N 3 %X Treatment strategies for penetrating rectal injuries (PRI) in civilian settings are still not uniformly agreed, in part since high-energy transfer PRI, such as is frequently seen in military settings, are not taken into account. Here, we describe three cases of PRI, treated in a deployed combat environment, and outline the management strategies successfully employed. We also discuss the literature regarding PRI management. Where there is a major soft tissue component, repetitive debridement and vacuum therapy is useful. A loop or end colostomy should be used, depending on the degree of damage to the anal sphincter complex. %U https://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/jramc/160/3/255.full.pdf