Rectal gunshot wounds. Management of civilian injuries.

The diagnosis and operative management of 43 consecutive low velocity wounds of the rectum were evaluated with regard to postoperative morbidity and mortality. Rectal and proctoscopic examinations, although frequently positive (80% and 91%, respectively), were not uniformly reliable in making the preoperative diagnosis. Diversion of the fecal stream by colostomy occupies a key role in operative management. Loop colostomy appears not only as efficacious as end colostomy and mucus fistula, but also requires less time to perform and subsequently close. Distal rectal washout is an important adjunct which reduces the incidence of rectal and intra-abdominal infectious complications. Civilian and military wounds of the rectum appear to differ in terms of the postoperative complications, mortality rate, and management techniques.