RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Treatment of rectal war wounds
JF Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
JO J R Army Med Corps
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 255
OP 257
DO 10.1136/jramc-2013-000144
VO 160
IS 3
A1 van Waes, Oscar J F
A1 Halm, J A
A1 Vermeulen, J
A1 McAlister, V C
YR 2014
UL http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/160/3/255.abstract
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.