Introduction.

Currently, rectal trauma continues to be a complex clinical and potentially fatal situation. Its early detection and management is the cornerstone to avoid both mortality and morbidity of patients. Today there is still debate about the ideal surgical approach in rectal trauma, and intraoperative management decisions are greatly affected by the experience and preferences of the surgeon.

Methods.

A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Clinical Key, Google Scholar and SciELO databases using the keywords described. The most relevant articles published in the last 20 years were selected. Articles written in English and Spanish were considered.

Discussion.

The rectum is the organ less frequently injured in trauma; however, the clinical implications of overlooking this injury can be devastating for the patient. Options for diagnosis include digital rectal examination, computed tomography and rectosigmoidoscopy. Surgical management will depend on the location, degree of the injury and the associated injuries.

Conclusion.

Knowledge of the anatomy, the mechanism of trauma and the associated injuries will allow the surgeon to make an adequate clinical-surgical approach that leads to optimal clinical outcomes in patients presenting with rectal trauma.

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