[Extensive ulceronecrotizing anorectitis caused by abuse of analgesic suppositories]

Usually considered as totally unoffensive, antalgic suppositories can, under certain conditions, lead to extensive anorectal injury with anatomic, functional and legal implications which we evaluated on the basis of two cases and a review of the literature. Clinicians, surgeons, pathologists and pharmaceutical firms should be aware of these pathophysiological events. Consumer information is required to reduce the risk of self-medication. There are characteristic psychologic situations and "dose-dependent" toxic effects which, as the saying goes "errare humanum est, perseverare diabolicum". Careful use of scientific knowledge and wise decisions by both experts and judges are required to avoid misinterpreting the pathogenesis of this particular anatomoclinical entity.