Mucocele: a rare complication following stapled haemorrhoidopexy

BACKGROUND: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) has resulted in a unique collection of procedural complications with postoperative mucocele a particularly rare example. This study is designed to comprehensively describe the characteristics of rectal mucocele and discuss its pathogenesis following SH surgery. METHODS: A database of patients presenting with a rectal mucocele following an SH procedure was established and studied retrospectively. RESULTS: Seven patients (5 males; median age 32 years, range 20–75 years) were identified. All patients complained of variable anal discomfort with 5/7 presenting with inconstant anal pain, 2 with de novo evacuatory difficulty. These cases appeared at a median time of 6 months (range 2–84 months) after SH surgery. CONCLUSION: Rectal Mucocele develops when mucosal fragments become embedded and isolated under the mucosa. It is a preventable complication of SH surgery by ensuring correct purse string placement prior to stapled haemorrhoid excision. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-022-01744-3.