Abstract
Objective: To present the pattern, management and outcome of penetrating colon injuries
in peace keeping mission in Afghanistan.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted in Zabol Hospital in Afghanistan
during a period of three months, from December 2007 to March 2008. All patients with
penetrating colon injury were included in the study. 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, 4 (33%) due to gunshot and two (17%) due to stabbing. Associated intraabdominal
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%.
Conclusion: 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.
(Rawl Med J 2009;34;19-22).

Key words: Colon injury, primary repair, colostomy