Perianal Abscess Flashcards
What is a perianal abscess?
A collection of pus within the subcutaneous tissue of the anus that has tracked from the tissue surrounding the anal sphincter.
What percentage of anorectal abscesses are perianal abscesses?
Around 60%.
Which gender is more commonly affected by perianal abscesses?
Men (M:F 2:1).
What is the average age of patients with perianal abscesses?
Around 40 years.
What symptoms might patients with a perianal abscess experience?
Pain around the anus, hardened tissue in the anal region, pus-like discharge from the anus, features of systemic infection if longstanding.
What is the most common organism associated with perianal abscesses?
E. coli.
True or False: Staphylococcus aureus infections are more likely to originate from the digestive tract.
False.
How are most perianal abscesses detected?
Through inspection of the anus and digital rectal examination.
What imaging techniques can be used for diagnosing perianal abscesses?
MRI and transperineal ultrasound.
What is the gold standard in imaging anorectal abscesses?
MRI.
Which underlying condition is a risk factor for perianal abscesses?
Diabetes mellitus.
What is the first-line treatment for a perianal abscess?
Surgical incision and drainage.
What anesthesia is used for superficial abscesses without sphincter involvement?
Local anaesthetic.
What is the typical healing time for a perianal abscess wound if left open?
Around 3-4 weeks.
When are antibiotics used in the treatment of perianal abscesses?
If there is systemic upset secondary to the abscess.
What are ischiorectal abscesses?
Abscesses found between the obturator internus muscles and the external anal sphincter.
What are supralevator abscesses?
Abscesses that form when infection tracks superiorly from the peri-sphincteric area to above the levator ani.
What percentage of anorectal abscesses are intersphincteric abscesses?
2-5%.
What is a horseshoe abscess?
An abscess found in a potential space between the coccyx and the anal canal, often a complication of another anorectal abscess.
