title: Perirectal abscess.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review clinical features of perirectal abscesses and to determine appropriate management.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of medical records.
  
  
  METHODS
  Urban teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-two patients with the discharge diagnosis of perirectal abscess over a 4-year period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Perirectal pain was the most common presenting symptom, being present in 98.9% of cases. External perianal and digital rectal examination identified an abscess in 94.6% of patients. A variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from skin, bowel, and, rarely, vagina were identified as causative agents, with mixed infections common. The major complications of perirectal abscesses included formation of extensive abscesses and urine retention. Abscess resolution occurred in all patients after adequate drainage. Antibiotics appeared to be useful only as adjunct therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Effective management of perirectal abscess involves early, adequate drainage, with antibiotics in an adjunct role.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Northern Westchester Hospital Center, Mount Kisco, New York, USA.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Marcus
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Stine
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015984:Causality; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents