Injury to the common iliac artery during suction rectal biopsy

A case of injury to the common iliac artery during suction rectal biopsy is described. Factors that might influence the incidence of complications after suction rectal biopsy are considered. Suction rectal biopsy, although invaluable in establishing the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease, is a potentially dangerous technique and should not be delegated to an inexperienced operator. In neonates it is unwise to take biopsy specimens more than 4 cm from the anal verge. A posterior approach is likely to be safer than an anterior or lateral one.