title: [Current management of stab wounds to the colon].
abstract: Stab wounds to the colon are a frequent surgical emergency. Local wound exploration under local anaesthesia is not required systematically. We recommend surveillance based on clinical observation and laboratory testing to detect peritoneal signs. If progression of symptoms is suspected, diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) should be performed. Immediate surgical exploration is indicated in two cases, i.e., generalized peritonitis and haemodynamic instability due to internal bleeding. The preferred repair technique is direct suture or resection followed by a handsewn or mechanical anastomosis. The morbidity, cost and social consequences of colostomy must be taken into account. It should be considered as a salvage procedure for patients in critical condition or extensive colonic injury.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie viscérale, vasculaire et thoracique, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Laveran, Boulevard Alphonse Laveran, Marseille. Thierry.peycru@laposte.net
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Peycru
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Avaro
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Biance
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tardat
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Balandraud
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003106:Colon / Q000293:injuries*; D003125:Colostomy; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010533:Peritoneal Lavage; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*