Anorectal Abscess Questions & Answers

Updated: Jul 06, 2022
  • Author: Andre Hebra, MD; Chief Editor: John Geibel, MD, MSc, DSc, AGAF  more...
  • Print
Questions & Answers

Overview

What is an anorectal abscess?

How is an anorectal abscess characterized?

What is the anatomy of anal glands relative to anorectal abscess?

What are the most common locations of an anorectal abscess?

What is the most common type of anorectal abscess?

What is the second most common type of anorectal abscess?

What are the third most common type of anorectal abscess?

What is the least common type of anorectal abscess?

How are anorectal abscesses classified?

What are the characteristics of a perianal fistula associated with an anorectal abscess?

What is the pathophysiology of anorectal abscess?

What causes an anorectal abscess?

What causes of anorectal abscess other than anal gland infection?

How common are recurrent cases of anorectal abscess?

Is there a seasonal or demographic pattern to the incidence of anorectal abscess?

What are the age-related demographics for anorectal abscess?

Is anorectal abscess more common in men or women?

What is the mortality from anorectal abscess?

What are the risk factors for chronic or recurrent anorectal abscess?

What is the prognosis of anorectal abscess after fistula formation?

What is the recurrence rate of anorectal fistulas?

Presentation

Where do anorectal abscesses occur?

What features of an anorectal abscess determine the clinical presentation?

What are the signs and symptoms of anorectal abscess?

What is commonly found in the physical exam of patients with anorectal abscess?

When is anesthesia indicated in the physical exam of anorectal abscess?

When is imaging indicated in the diagnosis of anorectal abscess?

What is the role of DRE during exam for anorectal abscess?

What are the complications of anorectal abscess?

How common are fistulas due to anorectal abscess?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Anorectal Abscess?

Workup

What are the approach considerations in the workup of anorectal abscess?

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of anorectal abscess?

What is the role of CT in the workup of anorectal abscess?

What is the role of ultrasonography in the workup of anorectal abscess?

What is the role of MRI in the workup of anorectal abscess?

How is endoscopy used in the workup of anorectal abscess?

Treatment

When is incision and drainage indicated for treatment of anorectal abscess?

What is the role of colostomy in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

Are patients with anorectal abscess admitted to the surgical or medical service?

When is transfer indicated for the treatment of anorectal abscess?

Are antibiotics indicated in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

What is the role of predisposing or comorbid factors in the selection of antibiotic therapy for the treatment of anorectal abscess?

How are patients reevaluated if treatment does not resolve an anorectal abscess?

How are patients with anorectal abscess prepared for surgery?

How is anorectal abscess treated?

How is incision and drainage performed in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

When are fistulas a potential complication of anorectal abscess?

When is general or regional anesthesia required for the treatment of anorectal abscess?

How is an intersphincteric anorectal abscess drained?

How is a supralevator anorectal abscess drained?

What are the surgical approach options for the treatment of supralevator anorectal abscess?

Which surgical approach is used in the treatment of posterior supralevator anorectal abscesses?

Which surgical approach is used for the drainage of anterior supralevator anorectal abscess?

What are the surgical management options for the treatment of anorectal abscess?

Which fistulotomy techniques are most effective in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

What is the role of radiofrequency fistulotomy in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

What are the main principals of management of anorectal fistulas in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

What is the Goodsall rule for the management of fistulas in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

What are the treatment options for the management of fistulas due to anorectal abscess?

Is fistulotomy or fistulectomy preferred in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

When is fistulotomy contraindicated for the treatment of anorectal abscess?

What is a seton and how is it used in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

How is a cutting seton used in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

What are other treatment options for anorectal abscess?

What is the postoperative care for anorectal abscess?

When is surgical consultation indicated in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

What follow-up is included in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

Medications

Which medications are indicated in the treatment of anorectal abscess?

Which medications in the drug class Benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of Anorectal Abscess?

Which medications in the drug class Antiemetics are used in the treatment of Anorectal Abscess?

Which medications in the drug class Pain Medications are used in the treatment of Anorectal Abscess?

Which medications in the drug class Anesthetics are used in the treatment of Anorectal Abscess?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Anorectal Abscess?