Twenty-eight consecutive extraperitoneal rectal injuries for a period
of 34 months ending in May 1990 were reviewed retrospectively. All inj
uries were due to penetrating gunshot wounds. The rectal exam was posi
tive in 75% of patients versus 80.8% with proctosigmoidoscopy. All 28
patients had diversion of the fecal stream. Diverting colostomies were
performed in 17 patients, Hartmann's colostomies in 7 patients, and p
roximal loop colostomies in 4 patients. Presacral drainage was used in
25 patients (89.3%). Distal irrigation was performed in 13 patients (
46.4%) and primary repair in 9 patients (32.1%). There was one infecti
ous complication (3.6%) and no deaths (0%). Fecal diversion and presac
ral drainage are the mainstay of therapy for civilian rectal injuries.
The importance of distal irrigation of the rectum has not been establ
ished. Primary repair of the rectum has no effect on morbidity and mor
tality.