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Anorectal Abscess and Fistula

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The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery

Abstract

Anorectal abscess and fistula management is a cornerstone of any colorectal surgeon’s practice. Knowledge of anatomic structures and their relationship to each other is imperative to make the correct diagnosis and define the treatment plan. Many studies have demonstrated the value of a good physical exam and the surgeon’s judgment—these cannot be replaced with imaging studies and technology. Anorectal suppuration needs to be promptly managed most commonly with drainage only unless a fistula is identified and the anatomic relationship to the sphincter is clear. Many procedures have been described for the management of anal fistula but fistulotomy remains the most effective. In this chapter we review the current practice of managing anorectal abscess and fistulas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Charlotte Hospitals Medical Center, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML 0558, Charlotte, NC, 45267, USA

    Bradley R. Davis MD, FACS, FASCRS

  2. Department of Surgery, Vidant Medical Center, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA

    Kevin R. Kasten MD

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  1. Bradley R. Davis MD, FACS, FASCRS
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Correspondence to Bradley R. Davis MD, FACS, FASCRS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Scott R. Steele

  2. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Tracy L. Hull

  3. Tufts University School of Medicine, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA

    Thomas E. Read

  4. Ambrose and Gladys Bowyer, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Theodore J. Saclarides

  5. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA

    Anthony J. Senagore

  6. Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Charles B. Whitlow

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© 2016 ASCRS (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)

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Davis, B.R., Kasten, K.R. (2016). Anorectal Abscess and Fistula. In: Steele, S.R., Hull, T.L., Read, T.E., Saclarides, T.J., Senagore, A.J., Whitlow, C.B. (eds) The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25970-3_14

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