[Surgical treatment of war injuries of the colon and rectum]

The results of retrospective analysis in the treatment of 155 wounded with colorectal lesions treated at the Military Medical Academy from July 1991 to December 1992 were presented. Primary surgical management was performed in 29 (18.7%) wounded and the others were transported into this hospital for further treatment after primary surgical management in war hospitals in the combat zone. Colorectal lesion (42.6%) were mostly inflicted by bullets of various caliber and high kinetic energy. Time interval between the wounding and surgery was less than 6 hours for 38.2% of wounded while 78.6% were operated within 12 hours. Multiple or combined colonic or rectal injuries were found in 91.6% of the wounded. Different surgical procedures were performed in accordance with the surgical war doctrine. Postoperative complications (colorectal cause) were found in 30 (19.3%) wounded. Reoperation was performed in 25 (16.1%) wounded and total mortality rate was 9.0% (14 wounded).