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Perianal abscess in children: aiming for optimal management
Article first published online: 9 JAN 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2011.05941.x
© 2012 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery © 2012 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
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How to Cite
Buddicom, E., Jamieson, A., Beasley, S. and King, S. (2012), Perianal abscess in children: aiming for optimal management. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 82: 60–62. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2011.05941.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 2 FEB 2012
- Article first published online: 9 JAN 2012
- Accepted for publication 5 April 2011.
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- drainage;
- fistula;
- incision;
- perianal abscess;
- recurrence
Abstract
Background: Perianal abscess is common in infants and children, yet the optimal surgical management is argued: incision and drainage alone is a simple procedure but is associated with a much higher recurrence rate than incision and drainage with simultaneous laying open of the associated fistula. This retrospective review established the institutional recurrence rate and its close association with how the fistula was managed at the initial operation.
Methods: A retrospective review of all children requiring an operation for a perianal abscess over a 13-year period from 1996 to 2009 was performed. Data were compared with published series.
Results: A fistula was sought in 89 of 91 (98%) patients, and identified in 66 (73%). Recurrence occurred in 5/66 (8%) in whom a fistula was identified at the initial operation, compared with 6/25 (24%) (P = 0.06) in whom a fistula was not identified.
Conclusion: Recurrence of perianal infection is influenced by whether a fistula was identified and laid open at the initial operation. The recurrence rate is higher when the abscess is treated with incision and drainage alone. Given the ease with which most fistulae may be identified, and laid open without morbidity, optimal treatment involves drainage of the abscess and laying open of the fistulous tract.