Pelvic collection drainage by Heald anal stent

TECHNIQUE The Heald anal stent (Fig 1) can be used to drain pelvic collections on the ward after any surgery that leaves a short rectal stump. The stent is inserted through the rectal cross-staples after the instillation of local anaesthetic gel. After several days, once drainage is complete, the stent is removed painlessly. We have used this technique successfully on patients with pelvic collections (Fig 2) who have failed Foley catheter drainage. The stent may be left for a few days until drainage is complete. (Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging may be used to confirm this [Fig 3].) The stent can then be removed on the ward.