A Clinical Study of Fistula-in-Ano and Perianal Abscess in Childhood

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the clinical characteristics and results of treatment of fistula-in-ano and perianal abscess in childhood, we analyzed 95 cases of fistula-in-ano and/or perianal abscess seen in childhood, between January 1995 and June 2001 at the Department of General Surgery of Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital. Perianal abscess was in 25 patients, anal fistula in 62 and combined disease (perianal fistula and abscess) in 8. Male predominance was noted (95 %). Median age was 8 months and 78 % of cases were presented under the age of 1 year. Median duration of symptoms was 60 days. Twenty four abscesses (77 %) and 18 lesions (72 %) of combined disease (n=25) were located on both lateral sides of the anus, and fistulas located on both lateral sides were 33 (53 %). Multiplicity of the lesion was noted in 25 % of cases. Sixteen percent of abscess, 81 % of fistula and 88 % of combination group have had previous perianal abscesses. The perianal abscesses were treated with incision and curreTage and fistulas were treated with fistulotomy or fistulectomy. There were no recurrent diseases and no complications after surgical treatment. Although the progresses of the perianal abscess and fistula in ano in childhood may be self-limitied, surgical management was safe and curable.