Ahaustral colonic segment following trauma: a possible sign of seromuscular tear

Although traumatic seromuscular tears of the colon are often managed conser vatively, it is pertinent to detect the tear since it poses a risk for acut e or delayed perforation. Unfortunately, clinical findings are inadequate f or detecting and monitoring this lesion. Therefore, this complication has n ot been recognized prior to laporatomy. We have noted that an ahaustral col onic segment following trauma may be a potential marker for seromuscular te ar.