Management of injuries of the large intestine

Blunt trauma accounted for 1/3 of the 32 patients operated upon for injuries of the large intestine and penetrating wounds for 2/3. Most of the blunt injuries (9/10) were caused by traffic accidents, and more than half of the penetrating ones (12/22) were stab wounds. The transverse colon was most commonly affected, followed by the ascending, descending and sigmoid colon, rectum and mesentery. Perforation of the small intestine was the most frequent associated intra-abdominal injury, occurring in 11 patients (34%). Most patients (22/32) underwent simple suture, 6 patients suture with proximal colostomy, 3 primary resection and one exteriorization, combined in all cases with broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage and drainage of the abdominal cavity. Injuries to the right and transverse colon were managed mainly with simple suture, and those to the left colon and rectum with suture and proximal colostomy. 50% of the patients had complications, most frequently wound infection and intra-abdominal abscess. The patients with simple suture had fewer complications than the others. In the absence of complicating factors injuries to the colon are best managed with simple suture, whereas in the presence of complicating factors and in injuries of the rectum, suture or resection with proximal colostomy, especially in cases of severe tissue destruction, remains the treatment of choice.