Fistulae in ano following anorectal abscesses

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to determine whether primary fistulotomy should be performed at the time of incision and drainage of anorectal abscesses and what% age of patients would develop fistula-in-ano or recurrent abscess. The record of 77 patients was reviewed who underwent incision and drainage of anorectal abscesses. Out of 77 patients, thirteen [16%] developed recurrent abscesses and 26 [34%] developed persistent fistulain-ano, with combined recurrence rate of 51%. This supports the policy of fistulotomy in the second sitting especially to prevent any complications and also of the fact that 59% would not need it