Endoanal ultrasound in perirectal abscesses.
BACKGROUND
Transrectal ultrasound is a useful exploration in the assessment of local spread of rectal tumors.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study has been the knowledge of the results of transrectal ultrasound in perirectal abscesses.


METHODS
Forty patients suffering from perianal septic disease were examined with endoanal echography before surgical approach. The endorectal probe used was initially of 5 MHz and in the last 25 patients of 7.5 MHz.


RESULTS
The examination could not be done in 8 patients because severe pain originated by the introduction of the probe in the anal canal. The echographic findings show the exact location and extension of the abscesses as confirmed by the surgical exploration. In three patients we suspected a perirectal abscess due to fever and anal pain but the anal exploration was normal; the ultrasonography showed the collection in all patients and two of them were treated by echoguided drainage.


CONCLUSIONS
Transrectal ultrasonography localizes and defines the extension of perirectal abscesses. It is a very important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with clinical presumption, but not confirmation, of what kind of abscesses.
Lobo Martínez
E
E
Departamento de Cirugía General y Digestivo, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid.
Torres Alemán
A
A
Galindo Alvarez
J
J
Martínez Molina
E
E
D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography