Incidental rectal carcinoid discovered after stapled hemorrhoidopexy: importance of histopathologic examination.

Aim: Haemorrhoids are the most common surgically-treated gastrointestinal disorder. Complications of this surgery are generally non-neoplastic. Because rectal tumours usually present demonstratively during endoscopic examination, it is perhaps tempting to omit histopathologic examination after haemorrhoidectomy, especially in younger patients.

Methods: The AA present a case of an early rectal carcinoid discovered after surgical treatment of haemorrhoids in a 27 years old man as an example of why it is essential to send all such specimens in the pathologist.

Results: The detection of early lesions permits the adequate follow-up necessary to preclude more extensive surgery and eventually to prevent recurrence of tumour.

Conclusion: All tissue resected by haemorrhoidopexy must be sent to the pathology laboratory to protect the life and health of the patient .