ABSTRACT

Anorectal infections and abscesses have afflicted mankind since antiquity. Descriptions of anorectal abscess are attributed to Hippocrates, but early references of treatment of anorectal disease can be found in ancient Egyptian medical papyrus dating back as early as 1600 bc. Anorectal suppuration begins in the anal crypts and advances to local tissues by way of an obstructed anal gland and duct. Antibiotics alone as primary treatment for anorectal is abscess not recommended. However, it remains a common practice to routinely administer postoperative antibiotics to patients with anorectal abscess. Perianal abscess is the most common, followed by ischiorectal, intersphincteric, and supralevator. Adult males are twice as likely to present with anorectal abscess as adult females. Anorectal abscess is a common and costly condition. Successful management of perianal abscess has been demonstrated without the use of packing.