RT Book, Section A1 Ellison, E. Christopher A1 Zollinger, Robert M. SR Print(0) ID 1127273150 T1 PERIRECTAL ABSCESS, FISTULA-IN-ANO, AND ANAL FISSURE T2 Zollinger's Atlas of Surgical Operations, 10e YR 2016 FD 2016 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-179755-9 LK accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1127273150 RD 2024/11/09 AB The anatomy of the anal region is shown in figure 1. Abscesses around the anal canal arise from infection of the anal crypt of Morgagni (figure 2) and can be either superficial perianal abscesses (80%) or deeper ischiorectal abscesses (20%) (figure 3). A perianal abscess is found adjacent to the anal canal, either on the right or left side, anterior or posterior. The patient usually complains of pain that may be, but not always, associated with a fever. The diagnosis is made by inspection of the perianal area, which will reveal a red, angry, and often fluctuant abscess. A digital examination should not be done due to the painful nature of the problem. Figure 3 shows the location of perianal and perirectal abscesses. Abscesses are classified according to the spaces they invade. Most superficial perianal abscesses can be drained safely in the office and do not require operative drainage. The most difficult to treat are those that track proximally or circumferentially within the intersphincteric plane or within the ischiorectal fossa or postanal space. Examination under anesthesia may be required to determine the location and extent of the abscess. An ischiorectal abscess, however, is large, involves either the right or the left ischiorectal space or the deep postanal space, and requires operative drainage.