title: Perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano in infants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to obtain insight into the short- and long-term results of treatment of perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano in infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective study of the records of patients treated over a 21-year period from January 1974 until December 1994 in a Pediatric Surgical Center. A long-term (1 to 24 year, mean 7.74 year) follow-up by questionnaire (response 81%) is also included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Drainage of a perianal abscess is followed in 35% of cases by a fistula. Fistulotomy or fistulectomy is followed in 13% of cases by a recurrence. There were two long-term recurrences that both healed spontaneously. The persisting scar sometimes gives problems with anal cleaning. All children aged 3 years and older were continent for feces. In two, there was soiling for some time. One had constipation and one was incontinent during the night.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simple drainage of a perianal abscess is followed frequently by a fistula. Fistulotomy or fistulectomy of a fistula-in-ano in infants has a reasonable chance of recurrence in the short term. Long-term recurrences are exceptional. There are no serious disabilities in the long run.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Surgical Center, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Festen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van Harten
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D017677:Age Distribution; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016896:Treatment Outcome