Anal trauma and foreign bodies.

Although anal trauma is rare, iatrogenic injury is not uncommon. Immediate recognition is vital to a successful outcome and may obviate the need for a diverting stoma. Evaluation must include a search for involvement of other structures and an evaluation of the anal sphincters. Foreign bodies most often do not cause significant anorectal injuries. Extraction of these diverse objects requires ingenuity. Superficial injuries may be left open or sutured closed. There are number of options for repair of anal sphincter injuries, either immediately or in a delayed fashion. A review of the clinical environment will dictate the procedure chosen.