[Traumatic lesions of the rectum)].

The authors report on their experience with the treatment of 12 cases of traumatic lesions of the rectum. They stress the need for early diagnosis, early systemic antibiotic treatment and prompt, appropriate surgery. In the cases described in this report, the latter consisted mainly in suture of the perforation, construction of a colostomy above the lesion and adequate drainage. Satisfactory results were obtained, i.e. zero mortality and a 41% overall postoperative morbidity.