Citation

Beiler HA, Zachariou Z, Daum R. J. Pediatr. Surg. 1998; 33(8): 1287-1291.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9722006

Abstract

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Because of the small numbers of impalement and anorectal injuries in childhood, a standardized therapeutic approach is necessary to avoid major complications. On the basis of a retrospective analysis of 12 children with such injuries treated from 1986 to 1996 in our department, the authors tried to establish guidelines for their treatment. METHODS: Additional therapeutic problems and main complications are elucidated after meticulous analysis of three selected cases. RESULTS: In two cases of anorectal impalement and a primary colostomy, no complications occurred. However, in three cases involving anorectal injury a primary fecal diversion was not performed, making a secondary colostomy necessary afterwound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The current standard principles in the treatment of severe anorectal injuries in children are fecal diversion, wound drainage, and broad spectrum antibiotics. A primary reconstruction in cases of impalement can be recommended only after exclusion of anorectal injury.

Language: en