Rectal strictures following abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery

Rectal stricture formation is a rare complication of aortic aneurysm repair . Two case are described here. A combination of hypotension, a compromised internal iliac circulation and poor collateral supply following inferior me senteric artery ligation can result in acute ischaemic proctitis - an infre quently described clinical entity. Ulceration and necrosis are the sequelae of prolonged ischaemia and fibrous stricture formation may result. One pat ient responded to dilatation and posterior mid-rectal myotomy; the other fa iled to respond to conservative measures and eventually had an end colostom y fashioned following intractable symptoms.