Abstract

Acute Anorectal sepsis is a common general surgical emergency. Simple perianal & ischiorectal abscesses are assessed and treated in the emergency department. Drainage alone can be performed as an outpatient procedure where there is a 15-47% incidence of recurrent abscess and subsequent fistula –in-ano. Drainage with fistulotomy can also be performed as the initial modality of treatment. Early drainage is important as the anorectal abscesses may be complicated by necrotising fascitis. Anorectal abscess can also be a manifestation of an underlying colorectal disease such as Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis and neoplasms of the rectum or may complicate trauma or specific infections. Anorectal sepsis is more prevalent if host defence mechanisms are impaired, as in AIDS, malignant disease, diabetes mellitus and blood dyscrasias or as a result of drug therapy

Description