Abstract
Perianal sepsis is one of the most commonly observed anorectal lesions, leading to abscess formation and often fistula development. Despite its prevalence, it also remains one of the most challenging anorectal conditions to treat, often requiring multiple attempts and different management strategies. Fundamental to the adequate management of these conditions, however, is an understanding of anorectal anatomy and pathophysiology leading to abscess and fistula formation. Of interest, history is replete with ancient accounts of anorectal surgery, from ancient Egypt to Hippocrates, to John Ardene of England’s “Treatise on Fistula, Hemorrhoids and Clyster” written in 1367. A turning point for anorectal surgery came in 1686 when the French King Louis XIV, who suffered from a fistula-in-ano, ordered his physician Philip to conduct clinical trials on the available methods of fistula treatment at that time. After 1 year of studies, the first “evidence-based” decision in anorectal surgery was made and the king submitted to a fistulotomy that ultimately cured him.
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© 2014 Springer-Verlag London
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Goldberg, S.M., Tawadros, P.S. (2014). Anal Sepsis: Anatomy, Pathophysiology and Presentation. In: Cohen, R., Windsor, A. (eds) Anus. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-091-3_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-091-3_17
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