Ahmad Uraiqat, Bilal Qteshat.
Management of penetrating colon injuries in Zabol province in Afghanistan.
Rawal Med J Jan ;34(1):19-22.

Objective To present the pattern, management and outcome of penetrating colon injuries in peace keeping mission in Afghanistan. Method This prospective study was conducted in Afghanistan during a period of three months. All patients with penetrating colon injury were included in the study and all underwent laparotomy. Results Out of twelve patients with penetrating colon injuries, nine (75%) were males, with a mean age of 33.9 years. Six (50%) patients had colonic injury due to shrapnel penetration, four (33%) due to gunshot and two (17%) due to stabbing. Associated intra-abdominal injuries occurred in the small bowel (75 %), liver (33.3 %), stomach (25 %) and mesentery (25 %). All right colon injuries (5) were managed by primary repair or resection and anastomosis, whereas left colon injuries (7) were managed by either primary repair or resection and anastomosis. A total of 26 complication occurred. The most common was wound infection in 8 (66.7%) patients, followed by septicemia in 5 (41.7%). The mortality rate was 50%. Conclusions Primary repair or resection and anastomosis of the colon should be considered for treatment of all patients with penetrating bowel injuries. These patients should be managed immediately and monitored intensively in postoperative period. (Rawal Med J 2009; 34: 19-22).

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