A Rare Complication of Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Giant Pelvic Hematoma Treated with Super-Selective Percutaneous Angioembolization

Abstract

Introduction: Procedure for prolapsed hemorrhoids (PPH) or hemorrhoidopexy is not free from complications, some of which have been described as serious, such as bleeding. This study describes a case of a female patient with post-operative huge pelvic hematoma, successfully treated with percutaneous angioembolization. Case Presentation: A 76-year-old female underwent PPH, with no intraoperative complications. Few hours later, the patient showed signs of acute abdomen. No external rectal bleeding was identified and vital signs were normal. A computerized tomography (CT)scan showed a giant peri-rectal and retroperitoneal pelvic hematoma, with signs of active bleeding. A subsequent selective arteriography showed huge bleeding from superior hemorrhoidal artery, treated with super-selective embolization. The procedure was successful and the patient showed a symptomatic improvement. The subsequent hospital stay was uneventful and she was discharged on the ninth post-operative day, with no complications. At the 30-day post-discharge follow-up, the patient was completely pain free with no signs of pelvic discomfort. Control CT scan revealed regression of the pelvic hematoma. Conclusions: Severe complications may occur after PPH and one of the most important is local bleeding. In the current case, no signs of external active bleeding were noted. Prompt diagnosis with CT scan allowed efficacious non-operative treatment with angioembolization, avoiding the need of reoperation for a potential serious complication.