Retroperitoneal sepsis complicating stapled hemorrhoidectomy: report of a case and review of the literature.

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy (mucosectomy) is a new technique that has recently been introduced for the treatment of third-degree and fourth-degree hemorrhoids and rectal mucosal prolapse. We present a case of severe retroperitoneal sepsis complicating stapled hemorrhoidectomy that was successfully treated by conservative means, further surgery therefore being avoided. The literature on the more serious complications associated with stapled hemorrhoidectomy is reviewed.