He is brought to the trauma center by the paramedics. He is immobilized on a back board. Because the patient is hemodynamically stable, preoperative workup can be undertaken. Rigid proctoscopy reveals a laceration of the rectum about 6 cm from the dentate line. Pulses are intact and equal in both legs.
Abdominal films reveal no intraabdominal bullets.
In the OR, a loop colostomy is performed to divert the fecal stream. This approach also allows for evaluation of the ureters. No other injuries are identified. Presacral closed-suction drains are placed. Discussion Injuries to the rectum bare similarity to those of the colon.