Anorectal and perianal complications of hematologic malignant neoplasms

Among 17 adults with hematologic malignant neoplasms in whom anorectal complications developed, the overall mortality was 53%; for those in whom the disease was not in remission the mortality was 69%, compared with zero for patients who were in remission. All but one of the deaths were directly attributable to septicemia secondary to the anorectal lesion. Over half of the patients had a history of previous anorectal problems or disordered bowel pattern preceding the anorectal complication. The anorectal lesions affecting these 17 patients included prolapsed hemorrhoids (in 5); discrete ulcers in the anal canal and surrounding cellulitis (8); necrosis of the anus and perianal area (2); and perirectal abscesses (2). Only the abscesses responded to surgical drainage. Treatment of the other lesions was conservative: bowel function was maintained as normal as possible, good perineal hygiene was practised and stool softeners were used, while efforts were directed towards achieving remission of the hematologic neoplastic disease.