Efficacy of an anal fistula plug for fistulas-in-Ano in children

Treatment of perianal abscess in children: spontaneous drainage or incision-drainage?

Background

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics and compare the treatment methods for perianal abscesses by assessing our treatment experiences.

Methods

We have retrospectively analyzed the records of the children who received perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano treatment between January 2014 and January 2022. Demographic information of the patients, complaints, treatment procedures, abscess recurrence, and development of fistula-in-ano was evaluated. Patients with systemic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases were excluded from the study.

Results

A total of 312 children (230 boys, 82 girls) were included in the study. The median age was 24.3 ± 18.1 months (1–216). In the first examination, 61 (19.5%) patients had fistula-in-ano and 25 1(80.5%) patients had a perianal abscess. The most common symptoms were erythema in the perianal region, mass, constipation, rectal bleeding, and inability to defecate. Spontaneous drainage was determined in 34.3% (n = 86) of the perianal abscess, and 65.7% (n = 165) of perianal abscesses were treated with incision-drainage without general anesthesia and systemic antibiotherapy. In the follow-up, fistula-in-ano formed in 27 patients who had a perianal abscess. Twenty-four of the patients who developed fistula-in-ano, were seen after spontaneous drainage, and 3 of them were seen after incision drainage. Perianal abscess recurred in 64 patients. Spontaneously drained abscess significantly increased the development of fistula-in-ano (p = 0.001). However, recurrences in a perianal abscess (25.4%) do not increase the fistula-in-ano formation (p > 0.05). In fistula-in-ano treatment, 10 (11.5%) patients were resolved spontaneously, 70 (79.5%) patients were treated with fistulotomy and 8 (9%) patients were treated with fistulectomy.

Conclusion

Treatment of perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano in children is still controversial. According to our results, incision-drainage and antibiotic usage in the treatment of the perianal abscess are the most appropriate treatment to decrease the rate of fistula-in-ano.

Treatment of Perianal Abscess and Fistula in Infants and Young Children: From Basic Etiology to Clinical Features

Perianal abscess and anal fistula are 2 common anorectal diseases in infants and young children. However, their causes, clinical diagnosis, and treatment remain controversial. Compared to adults, infants with these 2 diseases exhibit unique clinical characteristics. Blind pursuit of conservative treatment or surgery may worsen the condition, resulting in increased pain in young patients and greater economic burden and psychological harm to parents. Therefore, it is crucial to select correct and effective treatments. This review summarizes the relevant literature from the past 10 years and systematically explains the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, and treatment measures of perianal abscess and anal fistula in infants with the goal of providing clinicians a deeper understanding of perianal abscess and anal fistula in infants and summarizing safe and effective treatment methods.