Antibiotic Treatment Has No Influence on Anal Fistula Formation and Recurrent Perianal Abscess After Incision and Drainage of Cryptogenic Perianal Abscess: A Randomized Single-Blinded Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Anal fistula commonly appears after incision and drainage of a perianal abscess. Theoretically, a fistula develops as a consequence of the infection process. Antibiotic treatment was suggested to decrease the possibility of fistula development. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that antibiotic treatment has no influence on the development of anal fistula after surgical treatment of perianal abscess. DESIGN: A single-blinded randomized prospective study. SETTINGS: Patients with primary cryptogenic abscesses were eligible to participate. PATIENTS: Patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients in group I received amoxicillin 875 mg/clavulanic acid 125 mg during 7 days after surgery, and patients in group II received no antibiotics. The study database included demographics and clinical and laboratory data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were examined in our outpatient clinic 2 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year after surgery, and a telephone questionnaire was performed 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome was the formation of anal fistula. The secondary outcome was recurrent perianal abscess. RESULTS: Overall, 98 patients completed the study. Groups were not different in inclusion. Anal fistula was diagnosed in 16 patients (16.3%) in group I (treatment group) and 10 patients (10.2%) in group II (control group; p = 0.67). Nine patients (9.2%) developed recurrent perianal abscess, 4 in the treatment group and 5 in the control group ( p = 0.73). LIMITATIONS: A relatively small number of patients were treated in a single medical center. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic therapy has no influence on anal fistula or recurrent perianal abscess formation after incision and drainage of perianal abscess. See Video Abstract . EL TRATAMIENTO CON ANTIBITICOS NO TIENE INFLUENCIA EN LA FORMACIN DE FSTULA ANAL Y EN EL ABSCESO PERIANAL RECURRENTE DESPUS DE LA INCISIN Y DRENAJE DE UN ABSCESO PERIANAL CRIPTOGNICO UN ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO ALEATORIZADO, SIMPLE CIEGO: ANTECEDENTES:La fístula anal comúnmente aparece después de la incisión y drenaje de un absceso perianal. Teóricamente, la fístula se desarrolla como consecuencia del proceso infeccioso. Se sugirió tratamiento antibiótico para disminuir la posibilidad de desarrollo de fístula.OBJETIVO:Hipotetizamos que el tratamiento con antibióticos no tiene influencia en el desarrollo de fístula anal después del tratamiento quirúrgico del absceso perianal.DISEÑO:Estudio prospectivo, aleatorio, simple ciego.AJUSTE Y PACIENTES:Los pacientes con absceso criptogénico primario fueron elegibles para participar. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos. Los pacientes del Grupo I recibieron amoxicilina 875 mg/ácido clavulánico 125 mg durante los 7 días posteriores a la cirugía y los pacientes del Grupo II no recibieron antibióticos. La base de datos del estudio incluyó datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los pacientes fueron examinados en nuestra clínica ambulatoria 2 semanas, cuatro meses y 1 año después de la cirugía y se realizó un cuestionario telefónico 6 meses después de la cirugía. El resultado primario fue la formación de una fístula anal. El resultado secundario fue el absceso perianal recurrente.RESULTADOS:En total, 98 pacientes completaron el estudio. Los grupos no fueron diferentes en cuanto a la inclusión. Se diagnosticó fístula anal en 16 (16,3%) pacientes del Grupo I (grupo de tratamiento) y 10 (10,2%) pacientes del Grupo II (grupo control) (p = 0,67). Nueve pacientes (9,2%) desarrollaron absceso perianal recurrente, 4 en el grupo de tratamiento y 5 en el grupo control (p = 0,73).LIMITACIONES:Número relativamente pequeño de pacientes tratados en un solo centro médico.CONCLUSIÓN:La terapia con antibióticos no tuvo influencia sobre la fístula anal o la formación de absceso perianal recurrente después de la incisión y drenaje del absceso perianal. (Traducción - Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

A Retrospective Study of the Presentation and Management of Perianal Disease in HIV-Positive Patients Referred to a Surgical Outpatient Unit in Turkey.

BACKGROUND The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is on the rise, and perianal region diseases in HIV-infected patients have become increasingly prevalent. This study aimed to analyze the surgical treatment outcomes of HIV-infected patients presenting with perianal concerns. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included 311 HIV-positive patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Samsun Training and Research Hospital between January 2014 and December 2022. From this group, we selected those who sought care at the general surgery outpatient clinic for perianal and anal concerns, retrospectively reviewing their medical records. RESULTS Out of 311 patients, 54 (17.3%) were referred to the general surgery outpatient clinic with anal and/or perianal region complaints. Of these cases, 38 (70.3%) had a single disease, while 16 (29.6%) had combined diseases. There were 20 males (95%) and 1 female (5%). Among these 54 patients, 33 (61.1%) received medical treatment from the outpatient clinic, while 21 (38.9%) underwent surgical intervention. The diagnoses included 22 hemorrhoidal diseases, 24 anal condylomas, 15 anal fissures, 11 anal abscesses, and 4 anal fistulas. We evaluated the postoperative results and recurrence status of these patients. CONCLUSIONS Perianal diseases in HIV-positive patients can be categorized as isolated or combined. The management of patients with postoperative follow-up compliance problems and combined diseases with low CD4 counts may pose treatment challenges.

Role of prolonged packing in postoperative anorectal abscess management: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged packing of anorectal abscess cavities with internal dressings after incision and drainage is frequently used, but the efficacy of this practice remains controversial. Some studies highlight its use in hemostasis and preventing fistula and abscess recurrence, whereas others describe its economic burden and increase in pain. In this systematic review, we examine current evidence on the impact of packing after incision and drainage for anorectal abscesses. METHODS: The medical librarian conducted a comprehensive literature search on January 5, 2023. We conducted the meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4.1 software with a Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model. RESULTS: We identified 3 randomized controlled trials, comprising 490 patients. Of those, 241 patients (49%) received postoperative packing; most patients were male (n = 158, 65.6%), with a median age of 40.5 years and a follow-up of 6 months. Meta-analysis showed that prolonged wound packing was associated with delayed wound healing and increased pain, but no difference in abscess recurrence or fistula formation. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review of current evidence highlighting the impact of packing after incision and drainage for anorectal abscesses, we found that the practice is not associated with significant differences in abscess recurrence and fistula formation, but is associated with increased postoperative pain and delayed wound healing.

Study on the factors influencing the prognosis after perianal abscess surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment methods of perianal abscess on postoperative recurrence or formation of anal fistula to provide a basis for selecting appropriate surgical and inspection methods for clinical treatment of perianal abscess in the future. METHODS: The clinical data of 394 patients with perianal abscesses were collected, the influencing factors were investigated, and univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to further determine the risk factors affecting the prognosis of perianal abscess. RESULTS: The results showed that the rate of preoperative blood routine results in the uncured group was higher (51.16%) than in the cured group (35.61%); the rate of high abscess space in the uncured group (23.26%) was higher than in the cured group (9.11%); the proportion of patients in the uncured group who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery (27.90%) was lower than in the cured group (45.30%); the proportion of patients in the uncured group who underwent simple drainage (51.16%) was higher than in the cured group (28.49%). The two groups had significant differences in perineal MRI examination, surgical method, preoperative blood routine, and abscess space (p = 0.030, p = 0.002, p = 0.047 and p = 0.010, respectively). Based on the results of univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the extent of the abscess cavity (OR = 2.544, 95%CI = 1.087-5.954, p = 0.031) and the surgical method (OR = 2.180, 95%CI = 1.091-4.357, p = 0.027) were independent influencing factors for postoperative recurrence of perianal abscess or anal fistula. CONCLUSION: Preoperative assessment of the abscess range and precise intraoperative methods to resolve the infection of the abscess glands in the internal mouth can effectively improve the cure rate.

Fistula development after anal abscess drainage-a multicentre retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Anal abscesses are common and, despite correct treatment with surgical drainage, carry the risk of developing fistulas. Studies identifying risk factors for the development of anal fistulas are sparse. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for anal fistulas after anal abscess surgery. METHODS: This was a multicentre, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing acute surgery for anal abscesses in the Capital Region of Denmark between 2018 and 2019. The patients were identified using ICD-10 codes for anal abscesses. Predefined clinicopathological factors and postoperative courses were extracted from patient records. RESULTS: A total of 475 patients were included. At a median follow-up time of 1108 days (IQR 946-1320 days) following surgery, 164 (33.7%) patients were diagnosed with an anal fistula. Risk factors for developing fistulas were low intersphincteric (OR 2.77, 95CI 1.50-5.06) and ischioanal (OR 2.48, 95CI 1.36-4.47) abscesses, Crohn's disease (OR 5.96, 95CI 2.33-17.2), a history of recurrent anal abscesses (OR 4.14, 95CI 2.47-7.01) or repeat surgery (OR 5.96, 95CI 2.33-17.2), E. coli-positive pus cultures (OR 4.06, 1.56-11.4) or preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) of more than 100 mg/L (OR 3.21, 95CI 1.57-6.71). CONCLUSION: Several significant clinical risk factors were associated with fistula development following anal abscess surgery. These findings are clinically relevant and could influence the selection of patients for specialised follow-up, facilitate expedited diagnosis, and potentially prevent unnecessarily long treatment courses.

Leukopenia is an independent risk factor for early postoperative complications following incision and drainage of anorectal abscess.

AIM: Few data are available regarding the management of anorectal abscess in patients with leukopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of leukopenia among patients undergoing incision and drainage for anorectal abscess. METHOD: A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database identified patients from 2015 to 2020. Perianal fistulas and supralevator abscesses were excluded. Patients were grouped based on white blood cell (WBC) count: WBC < 4.5 cells/µl, WBC = 4.5-11.0 cells/µl and WBC > 11.0 cells/µl. The 30-day overall complications and outcomes were compared using regression models, accounting for demographics and comorbidities. RESULTS: Ten thousand two hundred and forty (70.3% male) patients were identified. Univariate analysis showed that, compared with patients with leukocytosis (WBC > 11.0 cells/µl) and normal WBC count (WBC = 4.5-11.0 cells/µl), patients with leukopenia (WBC <4.5 cells/µl) had higher rates of overall (p < 0.001), pulmonary (p < 0.001) and haematological complications (p < 0.001). They also had higher rates of readmission (p < 0.001), reoperation (p = 0.005), discharge to a care facility (p = 0.003), increased length of hospital stay (p = 0.004) and death (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified leukopenia as an independent risk factor for overall complications [odds ratio (OR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.65-3.24; p < 0.001], pulmonary complications (OR 5.65, 95% CI 1.88-16.97; p = 0.002), haematological complications (OR 4.30, 95% CI 2.94-6.28; p < 0.001), unplanned readmission (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.43-3.40; p < 0.001), reoperation (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.10-2.93; p = 0.019) and death (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.02-7.52; p = 0.046). Discharge to a care facility and length of stay were not significant on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Leukopenia is associated with increased risk for pulmonary and haematological complications, readmissions, reoperations, discharge to a care facility and death after incision and drainage for anorectal abscess.

Differences in Gut Microbiota between Healthy Individuals and Patients with Perianal Abscess before and after Surgery.

Surgery is the most important treatment for perianal abscesses. However, the gut microbiota of patients with perianal abscess and the effects of perianal abscess on the gut microbiota after surgery are unknown. In this study, significant changes in interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the blood of healthy subjects, patients with perianal abscesses, and patients after perianal abscess surgery were identified. 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology was used to detect the changes in the gut microbiota among 30 healthy individuals and 30 patients with perianal abscess before and after surgery. Venn diagrams and alpha diversity analyses indicated differences in the abundance and uniformity of gut microbiota between the healthy individuals and patients with perianal abscesses before and after surgery. Beta diversity analysis indicated that the grouping effects among the control, abscess, and surgery groups were good. The classification and compositional analysis showed significant differences in the gut microbiota between healthy individuals and patients with perianal abscesses before and after surgery. LEfSe analysis, random forest analysis, and ROC curve analysis showed that Klebsiella (AUC = 0.7467) and Bilophila (AUC = 0.72) could be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of perianal abscess. The functional prediction results showed that the differential microbiota is significantly enriched in the pathways related to nutrition and drug metabolism. This study may have important implications for the clinical management and prognostic assessment of patients with perianal abscesses.

Postoperative results and complications of fecal diversion for anorectal Crohn's disease.

PURPOSE: Fecal diversion is a less-invasive technique that can alleviate symptoms in patients with refractory anorectal Crohn's disease. However, complications, including recurrence of residual anorectal Crohn's disease, may develop. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative results and complications associated with fecal diversion in patients with refractory anorectal Crohn's disease. METHODS: We enrolled 1218 Crohn's disease patients who underwent laparotomy at our institute. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of 174 patients who underwent fecal diversion for refractory anorectal Crohn's disease, complications of the diverted colorectum, and the incidence and risk factors for proctectomy after fecal diversion. RESULTS: After fecal diversion, 74% of patients showed improved symptoms. However, bowel continuity restoration was successful in four patients (2.2%), and anorectal Crohn's disease recurred in all patients. Seventeen patients developed cancer with a poor prognosis. The rate of conversion to proctectomy after fecal diversion was 41.3%, and the risk factors included rectal involvement (p = 0.02), loop-type stoma (p < 0.01), and the absence of treatment with biologics after fecal diversion (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Fecal diversion for refractory anorectal Crohn's disease can improve clinical symptoms. Patients with rectal involvement or loop-type stoma have a greater risk of requiring proctectomy following fecal diversion. The administration of biologic may decrease the rate of proctectomy.

Bedside Drainage of Perianal Abscesses: Is It Safe and Effective?

BACKGROUND: Perianal abscesses require immediate incision and drainage (I&D). However, prompt bedside drainage is controversial as it may compromise exposure and thorough anal examination. OBJECTIVES: To examine outcomes of bedside I&D of perianal abscesses in the emergency department (ED) vs. the operating room (OR). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients presented to the ED with a perianal abscesses between January 2018 and March 2020. Patients with Crohn's disease, horseshoe or recurrent abscesses were excluded. RESULTS: The study comprised 248 patients; 151 (60.89%) underwent I&D in the OR and 97 (39.11%) in the ED. Patients elected to bedside I&D had smaller abscess sizes (P = 0.01), presented with no fever, and had lower rates of inflammatory markers. The interval time from diagnosis to intervention was significantly shorter among the bedside I&D group 2.13 ± 2.34 hours vs. 10.41 ± 8.48 hours (P < 0.001). Of patients who underwent I&D in the OR, 7.3% had synchronous fistulas, whereas none at bedside had (P = 0.007). At median follow-up of 24 months, recurrence rate of abscess and fistula formation in patients treated in the ED were 11.3% and 6.2%, respectively, vs. 19.9% and 15.23% (P = 0.023, 0.006). Fever (OR 5.71, P = 0.005) and abscess size (OR 1.7, P = 0.026) at initial presentation were risk factors for late fistula formation. CONCLUSIONS: Bedside I&D significantly shortens waiting time and does not increase the rates of long-term complications in patients with small primary perianal abscesses.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Impact of an Anorectal Surgery Multimodal Enhanced Recovery Program on Opioid Use.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal cases may be a common gateway to the opioid epidemic. Opioid reduction is inherent in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, but little work has evaluated ERAS in these cases. OBJECTIVE: To determine if ERAS could reduce postoperative opioid utilization in ambulatory anorectal surgery without sacrificing patient pain or satisfaction. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial assigned ambulatory anorectal patients to ERAS (experimental) or routine care (surgeon's choice) for pain management (control) over 30-days postoperatively. Primary outcome was overall days of opioid use. Secondary outcomes included pain and satisfaction scores over multiple time points and new persistent opioid use. The Visual Analog Scale, Functional Pain Scale, and EQ-5D-3L measured patient-reported pain and satisfaction. Univariate analysis compared outcomes overall and at individual time points. Two-way mixed ANOVA evaluated pain and satisfaction measures between groups and over time. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were randomized into each arm (64 total). The control group consumed significantly more opioids after discharge (median 121.3MME vs 23.5MME, P < 0.001). Significantly more control patients requested additional narcotics (P  =  0.004), made unplanned calls (P = 0.009), and had unplanned clinic visits (P = 0.003). The control group had significantly more days on opioids (mean 14.4 vs 2.2, P < 0.001). Three control patients (9.4%) versus no experimental patients had new persistent opioid use. The mean global health, EQ5D-3L, Visual Analog Scale, and Functional Pain scores were comparable between groups over time. CONCLUSIONS: An ERAS protocol in ambulatory anorectal surgery is feasible, and resulted in reduced opioid use, and healthcare utilization, with no difference in pain or patient satisfaction. This challenges the paradigm that extended opioids are needed for effective postoperative pain management.

Postoperative Packing of Perianal Abscess Cavities (PPAC2): randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Perianal abscess is common. Traditionally, postoperative perianal abscess cavities are managed with internal wound packing, a practice not supported by evidence. The aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to assess if non-packing is less painful and if it is associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: The Postoperative Packing of Perianal Abscess Cavities (PPAC2) trial was a multicentre, RCT (two-group parallel design) of adult participants admitted to an NHS hospital for incision and drainage of a primary perianal abscess. Participants were randomized 1:1 (via an online system) to receive continued postoperative wound packing or non-packing. Blinded data were collected via symptom diaries, telephone, and clinics over 6 months. The objective was to determine whether non-packing of perianal abscess cavities is less painful than packing, without an increase in perianal fistula or abscess recurrence. The primary outcome was pain (mean maximum pain score on a 100-point visual analogue scale). RESULTS: Between February 2018 and March 2020, 433 participants (mean age 42 years) were randomized across 50 sites. Two hundred and thirteen participants allocated to packing reported higher pain scores than 220 allocated to non-packing (38.2 versus 28.2, mean difference 9.9; P < 0.0001). The occurrence of fistula-in-ano was low in both groups: 32/213 (15 per cent) in the packing group and 24/220 (11 per cent) in the non-packing group (OR 0.69, 95 per cent c.i. 0.39 to 1.22; P = 0.20). The proportion of patients with abscess recurrence was also low: 13/223 (6 per cent) in the non-packing group and 7/213 (3 per cent) in the packing group (OR 1.85, 95 per cent c.i. 0.72 to 4.73; P = 0.20). CONCLUSION: Avoiding abscess cavity packing is less painful without a negative morbidity risk. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN93273484 (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN93273484). REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03315169 (http://clinicaltrials.gov).

Perianal abscess is a common, painful condition due to infection and swelling around the anus caused by blockage of the anal glands. The treatment of perianal abscess has stayed the same for over 50 years. An operation is performed under general anaesthetic to cut the skin and drain the infection. This is followed by continued internal dressing (packing) of the remaining cavity (hole) until the skin has healed over. Packing changes are needed multiple times a week for several weeks. Packing is the accepted treatment as it is believed to reduce the chance of the abscess coming back, and also reduces the chance of perianal fistula forming. There are no medical studies to support this idea. Perianal fistula (an abnormal passage between the skin around the anus, and the inside of the anal canal or rectum) is a long-term condition, which causes pain, and pus (and sometimes faeces) discharge, and often needs another operation (or multiple operations) to fix it. This trial was performed to demonstrate if no packing of a perianal abscess would result in a reduction of pain, with no increase in unwanted abscess recurrences and fistulas, in comparison to the standard treatment of packing. The trial recruited 433 people, who were randomly chosen to enter one of two groups; one to have their wound packed and the other to have no packing of the wound. After being discharged from hospital following surgery, the patients attended or were visited by a community nurse for the dressing to be changed or wound packed. Each patient provided information on pain from their wound, including worst pain each day and pain before, during, and after the changing of their dressing or packing. This and other information was gathered for the first 10 days after surgery and periodically until 6 months after surgery. The no-packing group experienced much less pain than the packing group. There was no difference in abscess recurrence and fistula formation between the non-packing and packing groups. The findings demonstrate that no packing of perianal abscess wounds after drainage operation is the best treatment.

Pesky Pesce: A Forgettable Fish Dinner with a Late Surprise, a Perianal Abscess.

Clinical presentation after ingestion of foreign body is a common finding in surgical practice. Perianal sepsis due to a foreign body is, usually, secondary to introduction via the trans-anal route. The case here reported is extremely rare since an ingested fishbone passed asymptomatically through most of the gastrointestinal tract, with resultant late-onset ischiorectal abscess. Moreover, clinical evidence of the perianal abscess manifested one month after the fishbone had been ingested. The final localization of the fishbone-lying anterior to the sacrum-complicated the preoperative and intraoperative detection of the ingested foreign body.

Needle aspiration treatment vs. incision of acute simple perianal abscess: randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Needle aspiration of an acute simple perianal abscess may be an alternative to conventional incision drainage with potential advantages in wound healing, functional outcome, and quality of life. The aim and objectives of the study are to compare the outcome of needle aspiration and postoperative antibiotics with that of conventional surgical incision drainage of acute perianal abscess. The primary outcome was abscess recurrence. Secondary outcomes were fistula formation, wound healing, quality of life, and fecal continence. METHODS: This is a three-center randomized controlled trial, including adults with acute perianal abscess. The needle aspiration group received clindamycin for one week postoperatively. All included patients were scheduled for a follow-up at 2, 12, and 52 weeks postoperatively including physical examination, quality of life assessment (SF 36 questionnaire), and fecal continence (Wexner score). RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were included. The recurrence rate was 41% in needle aspiration and 15% in incision drainage, with HR of 3.033 (p = 0.014). Fistula formation was 15% without significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference in wound healing, quality of life, or fecal incontinence scores. CONCLUSION: Needle aspiration with postoperative antibiotics cannot be recommended as an alternative for surgical incision in the treatment of acute perianal abscess. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.org with identification number NCT02585141, initial release on 15 October 2015.

Evaluation and management of perianal abscess and anal fistula: SICCR position statement.

Perianal sepsis is a common condition ranging from acute abscess to chronic anal fistula. In most cases, the source is considered to be a non-specific cryptoglandular infection starting from the intersphincteric space. Surgery is the main treatment and several procedures have been developed, but the risks of recurrence and of impairment of continence still seem to be an unresolved issue. This statement reviews the pertinent literature and provides evidence-based recommendations to improve individualized management of patients.

Colorectal Surgery Review for Primary Care Providers.

Anorectal conditions are one of the most common problems evaluated by primary care physicians. Most patients present with rectal pain, rectal bleeding, or purulent drainage per rectum. Colorectal conditions have overlapping symptoms. Thorough history and careful anorectal examination can differentiate common anorectal conditions like hemorrhoids, anorectal abscesses, anal fistula, anal fissure, and anal condyloma. Most of these conditions can be diagnosed and treated without imaging.

Consequences of Increasing Complexity in Anorectal Surgery Performed at an Academic Center.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures with varying complexity. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Review Committee for Colon and Rectal Surgery recommends minimum case numbers (60) for 1-year specialty trainees in 6 categories of anorectal surgery, with definitions for procedural complexity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the scope of anorectal procedures and propose a stratification of procedures based on a consensus of levels of difficulty, as well as to identify a predictive charge cutoff suggestive of procedural complexity. DESIGN: This was a retrospective review. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a tertiary academic center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing anorectal procedures between January 2011 and December 2014 identified by Current Procedural Terminology coding were entered into 6 categories. Codes were stratified as routine or complex based on an assessment of perioperative care and technical expertise required. Patients with an abdominal portion to any procedure were excluded. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The study measured distribution of complexity in anorectal surgical procedures and procedural charge associated with differentiating routine from complex procedures. RESULTS: Seven colorectal surgeons performed 2483 anorectal procedures (mean = 620 per year). Mean age was 48 ± 16 years. Forty six (64%) of 71 procedures were classified as routine and 25 (36%) of 71 as complex. Most disease processes had subsets with routine or complex procedures, whereas all of the procedures performed for fecal incontinence or advanced anorectal techniques were considered complex. Fistula procedures and transanal excisions were most heterogeneous, with a high procedural complexity rate (37% and 50%). After a procedural complexity rating, intraclass correlation by 6 surgeons was 0.70, demonstrating good correlation. Receiver operating curve assessments of consensus categorization according to billing codes revealed $553 as the optimal cutoff between routine and complex procedures. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-institution retrospective review. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal residents may benefit from anorectal case stratification, because it serves as a dialogue for those interested in complex anorectal surgery during training. Surgeon categorization of procedures correlates well with a charge-based model of complexity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A806.

Persistent Fistula After Anorectal Abscess Drainage: Local Experience of 11 Years.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of patients who develop a fistula-in-ano after an anorectal abscess are unclear. OBJECTIVE: Our study explored this relationship and patient factors associated with fistula development. DESIGN: International Classification of Diseases, 10 Revision, and Classification of Interventions and Procedures, version 4, codes were used to identify all of the patients with a primary anorectal abscess. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors predictive of fistula formation. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in a district general hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with anorectal abscess who were admitted to our institution (2004-2015) were included. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The rate of subsequent fistula formation was measured. RESULTS: A total of 1970 abscess patients were identified; 70.0% (n = 1379) were men, and 7.3% (n = 144) had Crohn's disease. Fistulas occurred in 16.2% (n = 319) at a median of 7 months (interquartile range, 3-7 mo). Patients with Crohn's disease were more than twice as likely to develop a fistula than patients without Crohn's disease (32.6% vs 14.9%; OR = 2.5 (95% CI, 1.7-3.7); p < 0.001). Patients with Crohn's disease with a fistula were more likely to be women (55.3% vs 34.6%; p = 0.007) and aged <30 years (51.1% vs 24.3%; p< 0.001) versus patients without Crohn's disease with a fistula. At multivariable analysis of the entire cohort, male sex (OR = 0.7 (95% CI, 0.5-0.9); p = 0.005) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.9); p = 0.027) were associated with a reduced likelihood of developing a fistula after abscess formation. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its single-center scope, retrospective analysis, and lack of a standardized definition for Crohn's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Abscesses are more common in men, but progression to fistula is more likely in women. The rate of fistula progression in Crohn's disease is twice that in patients without Crohn's disease. Identification of patients at risk may help delineate those who will benefit from a more conservative surgical approach, enhanced follow-up, or investigation after abscess drainage. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A798.

Implementation of laser ablation of fistula tract (LAFT) for perianal fistulas: do the results warrant continued application of this technique?

BACKGROUND: Laser Ablation of Fistula Tract (LAFT) is a novel technique for the treatment of perianal fistulas. Initial reports have shown moderate-to-good results. The aim of this study was to evaluate this implementation and the effectiveness of this technique. Patients were offered LAFT as a treatment option for their perianal fistulas at the outpatient clinic between November 2016 and April 2018. Inclusion criteria were intersphincteric and transsphincteric fistula of cryptoglandular origin [10]. Exclusion criteria were supra- or extrasphincteric fistula, Crohn's disease, presence of undrained collections or side tracts and malignancy-related fistula. The primary outcome was fistula healing rate, the main secondary outcome incidence of postoperative fecal incontinence. Healing and postoperative FISI were evaluated at our outpatient clinic during follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks. A questionnaire was sent to all patients to evaluate the long-term postoperative FISI and patient satisfaction after 3 months. RESULTS: Between November 2016 and April 2018, 20 patients [m:f = 4:16, median age 45 (27-78) years] underwent LAFT. Median follow-up was 10 months (IQR 7.3 months). A draining seton was placed in 15 (75%) of all patients with a median time of 12 weeks (IQR 14 weeks) prior to LAFT. Five intersphincteric and 13 transsphincteric fistulas were treated. Overall healing rate was 20% (4/20). The median postoperative fecal incontinence severity index (FISI) score was 0 (range 0-38); however, we found a change in continence in 39% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: LAFT has now been discontinued as a treatment of cryptoglandular perianal fistulas in our centre, because of its disappointing results. Further detailed research seems to be warranted to investigate its exact indication and limitations.