Rectal perforation with life-threatening peritonitis following stapled haemorrhoidopexy.

Background: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is a well recognized alternative to haemorrhoidectomy, and is associated with reduced pain and earlier return to normal activity. This paper reports all published cases of life-threatening sepsis following stapled haemorrhoidopexy, identifies causative factors and makes recommendations.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching the major electronic databases. All relevant references were reviewed for possible inclusion. All references of the relevant articles were screened for any further articles that were not identified in the initial search.

Results: From 2000 to the present, 29 articles reporting complications in 40 patients were identified. Thirty-five patients underwent laparotomy with faecal diversion and a further patient was treated by low anterior resection. A specific complication was rectal perforation with peritonitis. Factors that led to life-threatening sepsis were identified in 30 patients. Despite surgical treatment and resuscitation, there were four deaths.

Conclusion: Severe sepsis can complicate stapled haemorrhoidopexy. Rectal perforation and peritonitis are a particular risk of this technique and the associated mortality rate is high.