Primary repair of colon injuries: clinical study of nonselective approach.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to determine the role of primary repair and to investigate the possibility of expanding indications for primary repair of colon injuries using nonselective approach.


METHODS
Two groups of patients were analyzed. Retrospective (RS) group included 30 patients managed by primary repair or two stage surgical procedure according to criteria published by Stone (S/F) and Flint (Fl). In this group 18 patients were managed by primary repair. Prospective (PR) group included 33 patients with primary repair as a first choice procedure. In this group, primary repair was performed in 30 cases.


RESULTS
Groups were comparable regarding age, sex, and indexes of trauma severity. Time between injury and surgery was shorter in PR group, (1.3 vs. 3.1 hours). Stab wounds were more frequent in PR group (9:2), and iatrogenic lesions in RS group (6:2). Associated injuries were similar, as well as segmental distribution of colon injuries. S/F criteria and Flint grading were similar.In RS group 15 primary repairs were successful, while in two cases relaparotomy and colostomy was performed due to anastomotic leakage. One patient died. In PR group, 25 primary repairs were successful, with 2 immediate and 3 postoperative (7-10 days) deaths, with no evidence of anastomotic leakage.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study justify more liberal use of primary repair in early management of colon injuries.


BACKGROUND
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN94682396.
Department of Abdominal Surgery, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro.
Ranko G
RG
Lazovic
Goran I
GI
Barisic
Zoran V
ZV
Krivokapic
D000328:Adult; D003106:Colon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult