Recurrence and incidence of fistula after urgent drainage of an anal abscess. Long-term results

• Published in: Cirugia española (English ed.) 2020-12
• Main Authors: Chaveli Díaz, Carlos, Esquiroz Lizaur, Irene, Eguaras Córdoba, Inés, González Álvarez, Gregorio, Calvo Benito, Ana, Oteiza Martínez, Fabiola, de Miguel Velasco, Mario, Ciga Lozano, Miguel Ángel
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; spa
• ISSN: 2173-5077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ciresp.2020.11.010

Anal abscess is the most frequent urgent proctological problem. The recurrence rate and reported incidence of fistula after drainage and debridement of an anal abscess is widely variable. The objective of this study is to analyse the long-term recurrence rate and the incidence of fistula after drainage and urgent debridement of an anal abscess. Retrospective observational study of a prospective cohort with anal abscess of cryptoglandular origin. All patients (n = 303) were evaluated two months and one year after the intervention. At the 5 year, all the medical records were reviewed and a telephone call or appointment was made for an assessment if necessary. Specific antecedents of anal pathology, abscess characteristics, time and type of recurrence, presence of symptoms in the first revision and presence of clinical and/or ultrasound fistula were recorded. Mean follow-up 119.7 months. Recurrence rate 48.2% (82.2% in the first year). Two hundred twenty-two ultrasounds performed. Incidence of ultrasound fistula: 70% symptomatic vs. 2.4% asymptomatic (p