Anorectal Abscess and Fistula

Anorectal Abscess and Fistula

Anorectal Abscess and Fistula

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Anorectal Abscess & Fistula - Genesis & Germs

  • Anorectal Abscess: Acute infection in spaces around the anus/rectum.
  • Fistula-in-ano: Chronic abnormal tract connecting the anal canal to perianal skin.
  • Genesis (Cryptoglandular Hypothesis):
    • Infection originates in anal glands (Hermann's glands) in the intersphincteric space.
    • These glands drain into anal crypts (of Morgagni).
    • Duct obstruction → stasis → bacterial infection → abscess.
    • Abscess may drain spontaneously or require surgery, potentially forming a fistula. Anal canal anatomy with glands, crypts, and spaces
  • Causative Organisms (Polymicrobial):
    • Escherichia coli (most common aerobe)
    • Bacteroides fragilis (common anaerobe)
    • Staphylococcus aureus
    • Enterococcus spp.
    • Streptococcus spp.

⭐ The cryptoglandular theory is the most accepted etiology for common, non-specific anorectal abscesses and fistulas.

Anorectal Abscess & Fistula - Mapping the Maze

Anorectal Abscesses: Origin: Cryptoglandular infection.

  • Types & Features:
    TypeLocationKey Feature
    PerianalSubcutaneousMost common (60%), fluctuant
    IschiorectalIschiorectal fossaLarge, tender
    IntersphinctericIntersphinctericDeep pain, difficult Dx
    SupralevatorAbove levator aniSepsis, deep pain

Anorectal Abscess Locations

Fistula-in-Ano: Chronic sequela of abscess.

  • Parks Classification:
    TypePathwayFrequency
    IntersphinctericIntersphincteric~70%
    TranssphinctericCrosses ext. sphincter~25%
    SuprasphinctericOver puborectalis~5%
    ExtrasphinctericOutside sphincters<1%

Parks classification of perianal fistula

  • Goodsall's Rule: Predicts internal opening.
    • Anterior: straight track.
    • Posterior: curved to posterior midline.
    • Exception: Anterior >3cm from verge may curve. Goodsall's rule diagram with examples

⭐ Perianal abscess is the most common type of anorectal abscess.

Anorectal Abscess & Fistula - Signs & Scrutiny

  • Symptoms:
    • Abscess: Acute throbbing pain, localized swelling, erythema, fever.
    • Fistula: Chronic purulent/serosanguinous discharge, recurrent abscess, external opening, pruritus ani.
  • Examination:
    • Inspection: External opening, induration, inflammation.
    • Palpation: Tenderness, fluctuance (abscess), tract (fistula).
    • DRE: Pain may limit (abscess); identify internal opening (fistula).
    • Probing: Gentle; often under anaesthesia (EUA) to trace tract.
  • Investigations:
    • Anoscopy/Proctoscopy: Visualize internal opening.
    • Complex/Recurrent Fistulas:
      • Endoanal Ultrasound (EAUS/ERUS): Sphincter integrity, tract relation.
      • MRI Pelvis: Gold standard; delineates entire tract, extensions, abscesses.

    ⭐ MRI is the gold standard investigation for complex or recurrent fistula-in-ano.

  • Diagnostic Algorithm:

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Anorectal Abscess & Fistula - Fixing the Flow

  • Abscess Management: Prompt Incision & Drainage (I&D) is mainstay; cruciate or radial incisions close to anal verge. Antibiotics: only if significant cellulitis, systemic signs (fever, ↑WBC), immunocompromised, or prosthetic heart valves.
  • Fistula Surgery Principles:
    • Eradicate tract, prevent recurrence.
    • Preserve anal sphincter function & continence.
    • Identify primary (internal) opening. 📌 Goodsall's Rule aids this.
  • Surgical Options (Fistula):
    • Simple/Low: Fistulotomy/Fistulectomy.
    • High/Complex: Seton (draining/cutting), LIFT (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract), VAAFT, Advancement flap, Fibrin glue/plug, FiLaC (Fistula laser closure).

⭐ The primary goal of fistula surgery is to cure the fistula while preserving continence.

LIFT procedure for anal fistula anorrectal

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Cryptoglandular infection in the intersphincteric space is the primary cause.
  • Perianal abscess is most common; supralevator abscesses can be deep and insidious.
  • Goodsall's rule predicts fistula tracks: anterior openings = straight paths, posterior = curved paths.
  • Intersphincteric fistulas are the most frequent type.
  • MRI is gold standard imaging for complex or recurrent fistulas.
  • Abscesses require prompt incision and drainage; fistulas often need fistulotomy or seton.
  • Consider Crohn's disease with multiple, recurrent, or complex fistulas.

Practice Questions: Anorectal Abscess and Fistula

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 5-month old child rushed into hospital with complaint of colicky pain, bilious vomiting and red current jelly like appearance of stools. On examination, there was a sausage shaped mass in the right lumbar region. Which of the following is the preferred modality that is used as both diagnostic and therapeutic?

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Flashcards: Anorectal Abscess and Fistula

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The most common anal fistula is the _____sphincteric fistula.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The most common anal fistula is the _____sphincteric fistula.

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