PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - van Waes, Oscar J F
AU  - Halm, J A
AU  - Vermeulen, J
AU  - McAlister, V C
TI  - Treatment of rectal war wounds
AID  - 10.1136/jramc-2013-000144
DP  - 2014 Sep 01
TA  - Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
PG  - 255--257
VI  - 160
IP  - 3
4099  - http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/160/3/255.short
4100  - http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/160/3/255.full
SO  - J R Army Med Corps2014 Sep 01; 160
AB  - 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.