Perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano in children – evaluation of treatment efficacy. Is it possible to avoid recurrence?

Introduction: Perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano are common findings in infants and children. The perianal abscess is usually a manifestation of a fistula-in-ano. Experience of our center indicates general lack of knowledge of the origin of the abscess and therefore, it is usually treated by incision and drainage, which leads to repeated recurrences. Aim: We aimed to present the optimal management of fistula-in-ano and perianal abscess in order to reduce or even eliminate the risk of recurrence. Material and methods: The retrospective study included 24 infants with perianal abscess treated at our center between 2013 and 2015. Patients were divided into two groups: group I (50%) was primary treated in our center, while group II had undergone prior surgical interventions in other hospitals. Fistula-in-ano was intraoperatively identified in all patients (100%) and fistulotomy was performed. Results: No fecal incontinence or recurrence of perianal abscess were observed in any of our patients. In group II, the disorder was associated with severe inflammation, some patients underwent an additional surgical intervention, such as incision and drainage of an extensive buttock’s abscess; patients required longer antibiotic therapy and prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion: Minimally invasive approach (sitz baths, antibiotic therapy, puncture or incision and drainage of the abscess) appears tempting due to its simplicity and lack of need for general anesthesia, but it is associated with a high recurrence rate. Fistulotomy and fistulectomy, which are slightly more invasive procedures, significantly reduce the recurrence rate of fistulain- ano and perianal abscess.