Selective primary suture of the battle-injured colon: An experience of the Nigerian Civil War

Abstract

Summary During the 1967–9 phase of the Nigerian Civil War, 38 primary sutures of battle-injured colons were carried out, with 3 deaths, all in patients with severe concomitant injuries to the liver, diaphragm and right iliac crest. In carefully selected cases—one-third of the total—primary suture was a safe and reliable technique for dealing with battle-lacerated colons. Although there was a substantial morbidity (71 per cent) from wound sepsis, there was also a considerable reduction in the period spent in hospital.