Incidental rectal carcinoid discovered after stapled hemorrhoidopexy: importance of histopathologic examination

Haemorrhoids are the most common surgically-treated gastrointestinal disorder. Complications of this surgery are generally non-neoplastic. Because rectal tumours usually present demonstratively during endoscopic examination, it is perhaps tempting to omit histopathologic examination after haemorrhoidectomy, especially in younger patients.

The AA present a case of an early rectal carcinoid discovered after surgical treatment of haemorrhoids in a 27 years old man as an example of why it is essential to send all such specimens in the pathologist.

The detection of early lesions permits the adequate follow-up necessary to preclude more extensive surgery and eventually to prevent recurrence of tumour.

All tissue resected by haemorrhoidopexy must be sent to the pathology laboratory to protect the life and health of the patient .