Current management of colon trauma.

This article offers a comprehensive review of colon trauma from World War I to the present. The process of evidence-based medicine was used to analyze the data from the past 25 years and define standards of care in the field. Where data are less compelling, recommendations and suggestions are provided for future research. Topics highlighted include destructive and nondestructive colon injuries, rectal injuries, on-table colonic lavage, colonic bypass tubes, risk factors, perioperative antibiotics, and colostomy closure.