[Traumatic perforation of the rectum below the peritoneum (author's transl)]

The authors report a case of traumatic subperitoneal perforation of the rectum, the diagnosis of which was made by finding a pneumoperitoneum on straight X-rays of the abdomen, and on rectal examination. In these cases the pneumoperitoneum is generally bilateral occupying the posterior pararenal space. The course was favourable under medical treatment.