Traumatic tear of the rectum penetrating the peritoneal cavity: a case report

Anal and rectal injuries are rather uncommon in surgical practice. They are mainly caused at traffic accidents, sexual assaults, harmful voluntary, and eccentric sexual activities, or medical measures. Spectrum of these injuries is wide – from minor wounds of anodermy or rectal mucosa, until rectal tears penetrated the peritoneal cavity. A case of an accidental, intraperitoneal injury of the rectum caused by a wooden broomstick is presented. The range of trauma was diagnosed based on computed tomography imaging of the abdomen and treatment consisted in the resection of the damaged fragment of the rectum followed by end colostomy. The post-operative course was uneventful. The authors emphasize the necessity of a careful evaluation of these injuries, because any delay in the treatment may result in serious, even fatal complications.