Surgical management of diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the colon, rectum and anus.

Operative approaches which attempt to spare the rectal sphincter mechanism in patients with diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the sigmoid colon, rectum and anal canal have associated high morbidity and have failed to provide continence in at least 2 per cent of the patients. Sphincter-saving operations should be reserved for the rarer lesions which spares the lower part of the rectum and anal canal. Abdominoperineal resection by the combined synchronous approach with temporary vascular control of the hypogastric vessels provides a safe effective method of managing patients with diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus.