[A critical overview of surgical treatment methods of colorectal injuries]

There is still ongoing debate on therapeutic results of traumatic colorectal perforations. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the incidence, management, and outcome of patients with traumatic colonic perforations.

From January 1997 to December 2002, 85 surgical patients underwent emergency operation for traumatic colonic perforations. Patients were reevaluated by analyzing the relationship between the overall morbidity and mortality and the surgical treatment options. We took into consideration the time interval between perforation and treatment as well as the nature, the site, and the cause of perforation, patients' age, and additional organ injuries.

Mean age was 32,1. The most injured segment was transverse segment of the colon. Hartmann's procedure was performed in 3 patients (3.5%); resection, and primary anastomosis in 11 patients (12%); primary repair in 57(67%); primary repair and proximal diverting colostomy in 11(%12) ; colostomy in 5(5.8%); and appendectomy in 1 patient. Four postoperative death and one fecal fistula occurred. Deaths were not related to the surgical therapy applied.

Our early postoperative results after primary repair, and resection anastomosis were good. We conclude that either primary repair or resection and anastomosis can be performed with acceptable morbidity for perforations of the colon and rectum.