• J Trauma · Feb 1992

    Guaiac testing in the diagnosis of rectal trauma: what is its value?

    • H Levine, R J Simon, T R Smith, R Ivatury, and W Stahl.
    • Department of Surgery, New York Medical College, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx 10451.
    • J Trauma. 1992 Feb 1; 32 (2): 210-2.

    AbstractRectal examination with guaiac testing is a standard part of the emergency department evaluation of acutely traumatized patients. Its major role is in the recognition of occult bowel injury. We questioned its efficacy in detecting occult rectal injury in patients with penetrating trauma. We reviewed the charts of 19 patients with suspected rectal injury. Ten injuries were to the abdomen, nine to the buttock, and three to the thigh. Guaiac testing was 69% (11/16) sensitive and 33% (1/3) specific. Rigid sigmoidoscopy was 100% (12/12) sensitive and 67% (2/3) specific. Sensitivity was 100% (8/8) when the two were combined. Our findings suggest that guaiac testing is not accurate enough to rule out the presence of occult rectal injury. The result of guaiac testing must not influence the decision to further evaluate patients with high-risk injuries.

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