The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
- Trauma that perforates the colon inflames the cavity in which it lies.
- Peritoneal inflammation from hollow viscus perforation often requires hours to develop.
- Mesenteric tears from blunt trauma cause hemorrhage and bowel ischemia.
- Delayed perforation from ischemic or necrotic bowel may occur.
- Peritonitis and sepsis may develop from the extravasated intraluminal flora.
- Ascending and descending colon segments are retroperitoneal.
- The left colon has a higher bacterial load than the right.
- Morbidity and mortality increase if the diagnosis of colon injury is delayed.
Etiology
- Penetrating abdominal trauma:
- The colon is the second most commonly injured organ in penetrating trauma.
- Gunshot wounds have the highest incidence.
- Transverse colon is most commonly injured.
- Often presents with peritonitis
- Blunt abdominal trauma:
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