Retroperitoneal abscess following sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids

A case report of a patient who underwent submucosal injection sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids is presented. Subsequent necrosis of the underlying tissues produced a rectal perforation and retroperitoneal abscess, which necessitated emergency laparotomy and defunctioning colostomy. Healing of the perforation allowed later closure of the stoma. A brief review of the known complications of this technique has been made. It would appear that necrosis and perforation with abscess formation can be added to this list.