COLOANAL SLEEVE ANASTOMOSIS IN THE TREATMENT OF DIFFUSE CAVERNOUS HEMANGIOMA OF THE RECTUM - LONG-TERM RESULTS

Diffuse cavernous haemangioma of the rectum is an unusual lesion. In 1 971 Parks and co-workers described resection and coloanal sleeve anast omosis as an alternative operation in the treatment of this rare malfo rmation. The clinical presentation, diagnosis and long-term results of patients with this condition managed by such a surgical technique are described. Resection and coloanal sleeve anastomosis offers major adv antages such as a lower risk of intraoperative bleeding, no risk of da maging the pelvic nerves, sparing of continence and avoidance of a per manent colostomy. It should therefore be considered the treatment of c hoice for this uncommon condition.