Penetrating wounds of the buttock

Results of a study of 15 patients with penetrating wounds of the buttock managed during a recent five year period suggest that penetrating trauma to the buttock is a distinct injury syndrome accompanied by serious intestinal, bladder or vascular damage. Following a complete history, physical examination and appropriate roentgenograms, most injuries can be anticipated, but proctoscopy and cystography should be performed upon all patients at risk. Intravenous pyelography, a poor test of bladder integrity, may be misleading and should by supplemented by additional techniques. If a retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal injury is suspected, preoperative antibiotic therapy, followed promptly by aggressive intraoperative management of all injuries, is recommended.