Anorectal suppuration: The results of treatment and the factors influencing the recurrence rate

Abstract

Abstract One hundred and eighty-three patients admitted to hospitals in the Cardiff teaching group (1961–5) with a diagnosis of anorectal abscess were studied; 147 of these patients were traced in 1969. It is shown that when the diagnosis was that of an ischiorectal abscess and that when a ‘deroofing’ procedure was used, the in-patient stay and the time lost from work were increased. It is also shown that recurrence was related to a previous history of multiple abscesses, but not to the duration of the presenting history or the type of the presenting abscess or the initial drainage procedure employed. However, the detection and laying open of a ‘fistula’ at a second examination under anaesthesia within 2 weeks reduced the incidence of recurrence. It is suggested that incision and drainage, followed by a second examination under anaesthesia within 2 weeks, should be the treatment of choice, and that there is now no place for saucerization or ‘deroofing’ procedures.