title: Rectal gangrene: a complication of phosphate enema.
abstract: Three cases of rectal gangrene are reported. All cases were compromised with intercurrent illnesses and all patients had complicated haemorrhoids before the gangrene developed. Rectal gangrene as a complication of haemorrhoids is rare and, whereas reports have suggested that this complication is due to nozzle injury, we believe that it may be due to a direct necrotizing effect of the phosphate on the rectum. We no longer recommend its use in compromised patients.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy; D003646:Debridement; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004733:Enema / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005734:Gangrene / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010710:Phosphates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D005839:Gentamicins; D010710:Phosphates; D008795:Metronidazole