Abstract
Anorectal suppurations are quite common. Supralevator abscesses, previously regarded as a rare subgroup, were seen in 9.1 per cent of 506 patients admitted to Cook County Hospital in a two-year period. Aggressive supportive management was followed by early, adequate drainage through single or multiple radial perianal incisions or through the rectum whenever indicated. When fistulas were identified, either a primary fistulotomy or a two-stage fistulotomy using a seton was performed in the majority of cases. Important factors in the prevention of morbidity and mortality included debridement of all necrotic tissue, careful bacteriologic studies and judicious use of antibiotics, close postoperative observation, and long-term follow-up of the patients.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abcarian H. Acute suppurations of the anorectum. Surg Annu 1976;8:305–33.
Marks G, Chase WV, Mervine TB. The fatal potential of fistula-in-ano with abscess: analysis of 11 deaths. Dis Colon Rectum 1973;16:224–30.
Goligher JC, Ellis M, Pissidis AG. A critique of anal glandular infection in the aetiology and treatment of idiopathic anorectal abscesses and fistulas. Br J Surg 1967;54:977–83.
Bevans DW Jr, Westbrook KC, Thompson BW, Caldwell FT. Perirectal abscess: a potentially fatal illness. Am J Surg 1973;126:765–8.
Hill JR. Fistulas and fistulous abscesses in the anorectal region: personal experience in management. Dis Colon Rectum 1967;10:421–434.
Buchan R, Grace RH. Anorectal suppuration: the results of treatment and the factors influencing the recurrence rate. Br J Surg 1973;60:537–40.
Parks AG, Gordon PH, Hardcastle JD. A classification of fistula-in-ano. Br J Surg 1976;63:1–12.
Lindell TD, Fletcher WS, Krippaehne WW. Anorectal suppurative disease: a retrospective review. Am J Surg 1973;125:189–94.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Read at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Hollywood, Florida, May 11 to 16, 1980.
About this article
Cite this article
Prasad, M.L., Read, D.R. & Abcarian, H. Supralevator abscess: Diagnosis and Treatment. Dis Colon Rectum 24, 456–461 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02626783
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02626783