Preoperative embolization of a cavernous hemangioma of the rectum

Abstract

AbstractColorectal cavernous hemangioma is a rare benign vascular neoplasia that may be found in any segment of the colon and cause recurrent and painless rectal bleeding. Standard treatment of rectal hemangioma consists of resection of the affected segment followed by coloanal anastomosis. Massive bleeding during the operation is the most feared complication, especially during extensive resection or reoperation. The authors describe a preoperative embolization of a rectal hemangioma with Onyx-18® and microspheres, in a 49-year-old patient with successful prevention of uncontrolled hemorrhage during surgery.