Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection
Published on: September 21, 2015
Rectal impalement: a case review
Leland J Soto1, Daniel A Saltzman
1Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, USA.
Insights
Pediatric rectal impalement injuries are rare but potentially life-threatening. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, as external signs may be minimal, leading to delayed treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Trauma surgery
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Rectal trauma is uncommon in children, with impalement being a significant cause.
- Pediatric rectal injuries differ from adult injuries, which are more commonly ballistic.
- Delayed diagnosis of pediatric rectal injuries can lead to severe complications.
Observation:
- A case of a young girl with a rectal impalement injury from a dive stick is presented.
- External signs of trauma can be minimal despite significant internal injury.
- Physicians may overlook rectal injuries in children due to their rarity.
Findings:
- Accidental impalement is a common mechanism for pediatric rectal trauma.
- Rectal perforation in children can present with subtle external signs.
- Timely recognition and management are critical for favorable outcomes.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rectal trauma in pediatric patients with potential impalement injuries.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation to avoid diagnostic delays.
- Informs current management strategies for pediatric rectal trauma.
Abstract:
Pediatric impalement injuries to the rectum are rare, and delays in diagnosis can be life threatening. We report the case of a young girl who was accidentally impaled on a dive stick. A review of historical aspects of rectal trauma and current management techniques are discussed. Rectal injuries in the pediatric population most often result from accidental impalement, sexual abuse, or blunt trauma. In contrast, most rectal injuries in adults are caused by missile wounds. Moreover, because rectal injury is fairly uncommon in children, physicians evaluating patients may miss signs of serious injury. Signs of external trauma may be minimal when rectal perforation exists, so delays in diagnosis are not uncommon.
