Rectal Gangrene; A Rare Complication of Infected Hemorrhoid

A 27-year-old male with rectal gangrene as a result of a hemorrhoid infection complicated by pelvic cellulitis is described. Management initially included an exploratory laparotomy and perirectal space drainage. The patient deteriorated acutely on the 2nd postoperative day and required emergency abdomino-perineal resection. Reviewing the medical literatures, rectal gangrene can occur as a result of variety of etiologies such as occlusion of small arteries, toxication, infection, or trauma, although most of them occur after the abdominal aortic operations. Because clinical deterioration occurs in a matter of hours, a high index of suspicion should be maintained and the emergency operation is always required to save patient's life.