Prolonged catheter drainage of anorectal abscesses as a preliminary to elective anal fistulotomy.

Abstract

The conventional surgical treatment of the common perianal and Ischiorectal varieties of anorectal abscess necessitates the patient's urgent admission to hospital, the Induction of general anæsthesia, and postoperative hospital convalescence. In addition, there is a period of prolonged wound healing. The result Is considerable Inconvenience to the patient from a minor surgical condition. An alternative method of prolonged catheter drainage of the abscess, combined with elective anal fistulotomy, if Indicated, Is suggested. The catheter employed Is the self-retaining de Pezzer type made of soft latex rubber. It Is introduced under local anæsthesia and can be used In the doctor's surgery, casualty, or In the out-patient department of a hospital. It Is not necessary for the patient to be admitted to hospital.