TY - JOUR T1 - Treatment of rectal war wounds JF - Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps JO - J R Army Med Corps SP - 255 LP - 257 DO - 10.1136/jramc-2013-000144 VL - 160 IS - 3 AU - Oscar J F van Waes AU - J A Halm AU - J Vermeulen AU - V C McAlister Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/160/3/255.abstract N2 - 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. ER -