TY - JOUR PY - 2017// TI - The management of penetrating rectal and anal trauma: a systematic review JO - Injury A1 - Ahern, Daniel P. A1 - Kelly, Michael E. A1 - Courtney, Danielle A1 - Rausa, Emanuele A1 - Winter, Des C. SP - 1133 EP - 1138 VL - 48 IS - 6 N2 - INTRODUCTION: Traumatic injuries to the lower gastrointestinal tract (rectum and anus) have been largely reported in the military setting with sparse publications from the civilian setting. Additionally, there remains a lack of international consensus regarding definitive treatment pathways. This systematic review aimed to assess the current literature and propose a standardised treatment algorithm to aid management in the civilian setting.

METHODS: A systematic review of available literature from 1999 to 2016 that was performed. Primary endpoints were the assessment and surgical management of reported rectal and anal trauma.

RESULTS: Seven studies were included in this review, reporting on 1255 patients. 96.3% had rectal trauma and 3.7% had anal trauma. Gunshot wounds are the most common mechanism of injury (46.9%). The overwhelming majority of injuries occurred in males (>85%) and were associated with other pelvic injuries. Surgical management has substantially evolved over the last five decades, with no clear consensus on best management strategies.

CONCLUSION: There remains significant international discrepancy regarding the management of penetrating trauma to the rectum. Key management principals include the varying use of the direct primary closure, faecal diversion, pre-sacral drainage and/or distal rectal washout (rarely used). To date, there is sparse evidence regarding the management of penetrating anal trauma.

Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0020-1383 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2017.03.002 ID - ref1 ER -