Perirectal abscess in Crohn's disease

The role of surgical intervention in the treatment of patients with anorectal Crohn's disease is controversial. To clarify the success of aggressive drainage and the subsequent clinical course of patients with Crohn's disease and perirectal abscesses, the authors reviewed the records of 38 patients who presented with this condition during an eight-year period. Twenty-two male and 16 female patients (median age, 32 years; range, 17 to 61 years) with clinically or pathologically confirmed Crohn's disease of the bowel underwent operation for perirectal abscesses. Thirty-two percent of patients had no previous history of anorectal Crohn's disease. Thirty simple abscesses and 8 complex horseshoe abscesses were treated. At operation, 53 percent of patients underwent incision and drainage whereas 26 percent received loop indwelling drains and 21 percent had mushroom catheters placed. After resolution of the index abscess, recurrent abscesses occurred in 45 percent of the patients who underwent catheter drainage and 56 percent of the patients who underwent incision and drainage. More importantly, 44 percent of the incision and drainage group and only 31 percent of the catheter drainage group required subsequent proctectomy to control perineal sepsis. The healing time of the perineal wound was longer than six months in 83 percent of patients requiring rectal excision. We concluded that long-term catheter drainage may offer substantial benefit in the overall outcome of the treatment of patients with Crohn's disease and perirectal abscess.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, June 11 to 16, 1989.     

Anal fistula surgery

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to assess results of surgery for fistula-in-ano and identify risk factors for fistula recurrence and impaired continence. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 624 patients who underwent surgery for fistula-in-ano between 1988 and 1992. Follow-up was by mailed questionnaire, with 375 patients (60 percent) responding. Mean follow-up was 29 months. Fistulas were intersphincteric in 180 patients, transsphincteric in 108, suprasphincteric in 6, extrasphincteric in 6, and unclassified in 75. Procedures included fistulotomy and marsupialization (n=300), seton placement (n=63), endorectal advancement flap (n=3), and other (n=9). Factors associated with recurrence and incontinence were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: The fistula recurred in 31 patients (8 percent), and 45 percent complained of some degree of postoperative incontinence. Factors associated with recurrence included complex type of fistula, horseshoe extension, lack of identification or lateral location of the internal fistulous opening, previous fistula surgery, and the surgeon performing the procedure. Incontinence was associated with female sex, high anal fistula, type of surgery, and previous fistula surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of fistula-in-ano is associated with a significant risk of recurrence and a high risk of impaired continence. Degree of risk varies with identifiable factors.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Orlando, Florida, May 8 to 13, 1994.     

Management of anorectal horseshoe abscess and fistula

Over a 10-year period 69 patients were treated consecutively for posterior and anterior horseshoe abscesses and fistulas. Fifty-nine patients had posterior and ten had anterior abscesses or fistulas. There were 52 patients with acute abscess. Treatment consisted of incision and drainage, incision and drainage with primary fistulotomy, incision and drainage with primary fistulotomy and counter-drainage, and incision and drainage with insertion of seton. Seventeen patients with chronic fistulas were treated by primary fistulotomy with curettage, or incision and drainage with insertion of seton. Patients were followed from three months to ten years with a mean follow-up of three years. No incidences of incontinence were reported in this series. The overall rate of recurrence was 18 percent, and included only patients with posterior abscesses and fistulas. Recurrence was related to the failure to maintain prolonged drainage in the midline after primary fistulotomy. The use of seton for delayed fistulotomy appears to promote wound drainage and precludes premature wound closure. More liberal use of the seton in the treatment of horseshoe abscesses and fistulas is advocated. Read at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Houston, Texas, May 11 to 15, 1986. Supported in part by the Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust Fund.     

Sleeve advancement anorectoplasty for complicated anorectal/vaginal fistula

Transanal flap-advancement procedures for complicated anorectal or rectovaginal fistula may include vertically incised flaps, horizontal flaps, and tubal flaps. Anatomic and pathologic considerations affecting choice of the three major techniques are examined in the context of their historical development over the last century. Application of the tubal (or sleeve) advancement principle is described in a woman whose combined rectovaginal and cryptogenic fistulas encompassed more than one-third of her anal circumference, necessitating surgical modifications beyond those afforded by previously documented techniques. Obliteration of disease and preservation of sphincteric competence were the achieved objectives of the procedure. Rationale for the procedure and technical details of the sleeve advancement anorectoplasty are described, mindful of the surgical antecedents of this therapeutic option.     

Vaginal fistula following restorative proctocolectomy

Vaginal fistula (VF) is a devastating complication following restorative proctocolectomy. PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the perioperative factors influencing the outcome and management of vaginal fistula. METHOD: Between October 1983 and September 1994, 526 women underwent restorative proctocolectomy. Nineteen develop VF (3.6 percent), and six were referred from other institutions with this complication. These 25 women were followed for a minimum of nine months. RESULTS: Preoperative diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made in 23 of the patients with VF (92 percent), and indeterminate colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis was determined in the rest of the patients. Postoperatively, 12 of the 23 women (52 percent) with a preoperative diagnosis of ulcerative colitis had clinical/pathologic findings of Crohn's disease, and 1 woman was reclassified as having indeterminate colitis. Postoperative pelvic sepsis was significantly higher in women with VF than in those without VF (26.3 vs.6.3 percent;P =0.003). Median time until occurrence of VF following loop ileostomy closure was later for women with delayed findings of Crohn's disease at 16.5 (range, <1–72) months, compared with women without Crohn's disease at 0.5 (range, <1–67) months (P}<0.05). Of the 163 women with handsewn anastomosis performed at our institution, 12 developed VF (7.4 percent), In contrast, 7 of the 363 patients with stapled anastomosis had VF (1.9 percent;P=0.003). Site of VF was found at the anastomosis in 12 patients, below in 12 patients, and above in 1 patient. Presence of Crohn's disease and anastomotic technique did not influence the site of VF. Initial management of VF consisted of transanal repair in 20 patients (advancement flap, 12; direct repair, 6; and neoileoanal anastomosis, 2), seton in 1 patient, transabdominal approach in 1 patient, transvaginal in 1 patient, observation in 1 patient, and pouch excision in 1 patient. Of the 13 women without Crohn's disease, 12 had transanal repair (10 healed, 1 had recurrence, and 1 had pouch excision), and 1 had successfully repair with transabdominal technique, for an overall success rate of 84.6 percent. Of the 12 women with VF and delayed findings of Crohn's disease, transanal repair was performed on 9, 1 had pouch excision without repair, 1 had seton placement and pouch excision, and 1 underwent observation. Transanal technique of repair in women with Crohn's disease successfully healed three women (33.3 percent). Overall, of the 12 women with delayed findings of Crohn's disease, 6 had pouch excision, 3 had recurrences, and 3 healed. CONCLUSION: VF is an uncommon complication following restorative proctocolectomy and is associated with a high incidence of pelvic sepsis and handsewn anastomosis. Late presentation of VF is more common with Crohn's disease and is associated with a poor prognosis and pouch salvage rate. Transanal techniques are an effective means of VF repair.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, May 7 to 12, 1995.     

Anastomotic-vaginal fistula after colorectal surgery

The most feared complication of anterior and low anterior resection is anastomotic dehiscence. Although most leakages remain clinically silent, some may lead to formation of a colovaginal fistula. At the Lahey Clinic Medical Center, the records of nine patients with colovaginal fistula as a complication of colorectal surgery were reviewed to determine clinical characteristics and optimal management. The mean age was 63.7 years (range, 47–72 years). The initial indications for surgery were carcinoma of the rectum (n=4), diverticular disease (n=3), and closure of the colostomy after Hartmann's procedure (n=2). Hysterectomy had been performed earlier in seven patients (78 percent). The end-to-end anastomosis (EEA ^®)stapling device was used in five patients, and four patients had a handsewn anastomosis. The fistula developed within 23 days after surgery and usually originated within 8 cm of the anal verge. Two patients underwent immediate diverting transverse colostomy. None of the seven patients who were initially managed medically had spontaneous closure of the fistula. High fistulas were successfully treated by colorectal resection in two patients, whereas low fistulas healed after transanal repair without colostomy in two patients. These results suggest that previous hysterectomy predisposes to development of a colovaginal fistula after colorectal surgery. Not all patients require fecal diversion. Colorectal resection for high fistulas and transanal repair for low fistulas appear to be viable options for treatment.Read at the meeting of the New England Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Newport, Rhode Island, April 5 to 7, 1991.     

Colovaginal fistula secondary to diverticular disease

Colovaginal fistula is infrequently encountered in gynecologic practice, but, when it does occur, diverticular disease is the most common cause. This paper discusses current concepts in etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with colovaginal fistula secondary to diverticular disease. Review of the literature reveals that a majority of patients have a history of hysterectomy and are primarily diagnosed by barium enema. The current trend in treatment is surgical correction with primary resection and anastomosis.     

Control of hemorrhage from a mucous fistula with Foley catheter tamponade

Massive hemorrhage from the colon is always a problem. When that bleeding occurs in a defunctionalized colonic mucous fistula, the surgeon can approach the bleeding site from both ends simultaneously. Two methods of controlling hemorrhage from a mucous fistula with the assistance of Foley catheter tamponade are presented.     

Perianal abscess in Crohn's disease

PURPOSE: Perianal disease is frequent in patients with Crohn's disease, and many of these patients will eventually have abscess formation. In a prospective follow-up study, we evaluated factors influencing the occurrence and recurrence of perianal abscesses. METHODS: Of 126 consecutive patients with perianal Crohn's disease seen regularly in an outpatient clinic, 61 (48.4 percent) had at least one perianal abscess (mean follow-up, 32±17 months). In all, 110 episodes of an abscess with 145 anatomically distinct abscesses were documented. RESULTS: The occurrence of first abscesses was dependent on the type of anal fistula (ischiorectal, 73 percent; transsphincteric, 50 percent; superficial, 25 percent;P < 0.02). Surgical therapy consisted of seton drainage (34 percent), mushroom catheter drainage (49 percent), or incision and drainage (29 percent) and led to inactivation in all patients. Cumulative two-year recurrence rates after the first and second abscess were 54 and 62 percent, respectively. Abscess recurrence was less frequent in patients with a stoma (13 vs. 60 percent in patients without stoma after two years) and in patients with superficial anal fistulas (0 vs. 55 percent/56 percent in patients with transsphincteric/ischiorectal fistulas). Only two abscesses recurred within one year after removal of seton drainage, whereas 13 abscesses recurred with the seton still in place. Neither intestinal nor rectal activity of Crohn's disease significantly influenced the occurrence of an abscess. During the study period, only two patients developed partial stool incontinence. CONCLUSION: Development of perianal abscesses in Crohn's disease depends on the fecal stream and the anatomic type of anal fistula. Seton and catheter drainage are safe and highly effective in treatment. Long-term use of setons to prevent recurrent abscesses is not supported by our data.     

Autologous fibrin glue in the treatment of rectovaginal and complex fistulas

This nonrandomized series reports the use of autologous fibrin glue to treat complex rectovaginal and anorectal fistulas. The use of an autologous source to prepare fibrin glue eliminates the risk of disease transmission. Ten patients, six women and four men, with complex fistulas were treated with autologous fibrin glue application. Five patients had rectovaginal fistulas; one of them had Crohn's disease. Five patients had complex anal fistulas; two of them had Crohn's disease, and one had a large postanal ulcer associated with HIV disease. All patients had outpatient preoperative mechanical bowel preparation and prophylactic parenteral antibiotics. Six of the ten patients (60 percent) reported complete healing of the fistulas. Follow-up ranged from three months to one year. Four of five rectovaginal fistulas healed. The two patients with Crohn's disease and complex anal fistulas and the patient with HIV disease did not heal, but all three reported significantly less drainage. Autologous fibrin glue is a viable alternative for the treatment of recurrent rectovaginal and complex abscess/fistulas.     

Seminal vesicle fistula following abdominoperineal resection for recurrent adenocarcinoma of the rectum

PURPOSE: Fistula formation between the seminal vesicles and a pelvic abscess after abdominal perineal resection for recurrent rectal cancer is reported in a 32-year-old male previously treated with low anterior resection, chemotherapy, and radiation. METHODS: The case history was reviewed for clinical presentation, radiologic studies, and laboratory data. RESULTS: Successful management of this previously unreported complication included percutaneous abscess drainage, antimicrobial therapy, and oral administration of Proscar^® (Merck, Sharpe & Dohme, Rathway, NJ). CONCLUSION: Multiple factors predisposed this patient's development of a seminal vesicle fistula. These include extensive scarring from previous surgery, pelvic radiation, and an immunologically depressed status. The efficacy of Proscar^® in the successful management of this case remains unknown.     

The value of the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in the treatment of complex perineal fistula

Complex perineal fistula and persistent perineal sinus are difficult to treat. We describe our experience with wide excision of the diseased perineum using a combined abdominoperineal approach. Ten patients were reconstructed by a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (n=7), rectus abdominis muscle flap (n=2), and omental graft (n=1). Primary healing was achieved in all cases. A median follow-up of 18 months (range 6–54 months) has shown no recurrence of perineal disease or associated abdominal incisional hernia. There were no perioperative deaths. We propose that the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is indicated if large amounts of perineal skin has to be sacrificed. When less skin is removed a repair with greater omentum or rectus muscle alone is adequate. The abdominoperineal approach together with filling the residual pelvic cavity with well-vascularized tissue allows definitive treatment to be carried out in one stage.Based on an oral presentation at the Tripartite Meeting, Birmingham, United Kingdom, June 19–22, 1989.     

Treatment of enterocutaneous and colocutaneous fistulas with early surgery or somatostatin analog

Standard therapy of enterocutaneous (ECF) and colocutaneous (CCF) fistulas consists of conservative management, with surgery reserved for failures of maximal medical treatment. We conducted a five-year retrospective review of 28 patients with low-output ECF and CCF to determine the outcome of early surgical and nonsurgical treatment of these conditions. Twelve men and 16 women with a mean age of 60 years presented with 22 ECF and 6 CCF. Six patients had early operative intervention in an attempt to close their fistulas, while the remaining 22 patients were treated without surgery. In addition, four of the nonsurgical group received parenteral somatostatin analog (SA). None of the surgical patients was septic preoperatively (mean WBC=9.7), the mean preoperative hospital stay was 11 days, and no patients required a proximal diverting stoma. All of the surgical group resumed normal gastrointestinal function within two weeks, and seven of the nine (78 percent) demonstrated no recurrence of the fistula at a mean follow-up of 8.3 months. Of the 22 medically treated patients, three of the four who received SA healed their fistulas within two weeks. Only two of the other 13 medically treated patients (15 percent) healed their fistulas. Early surgery or the use of SA should be considered in the treatment of patients with low-output intestinal fistulas.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Boston, Massachusetts, May 12 to 17, 1991.     

Bricker-Johnston sigmoid colon graft for repair of postradiation rectovaginal fistula and stricture performed with mechanical sutures

In patients with postradiation rectovaginal fistula who are otherwise healthy and cured of their cancer, repair of the fistula with return to a normal lifestyle is indicated if this repair can be achieved with minimal morbidity, no mortality, and a good prospect for a functionally satisfactory result. The Bricker-Johnston vascular sigmoid colon graft fulfills these conditions by respecting the tissular equilibrium of the radiated rectum and supplying the area with a sound, vascular sigmoid pedicle graft. While this improves tissue vitality locally, it restores rectal function to a near-normal preradiation level and preserves the previously intact sphincter muscles. The concept of this repair is very sound, and its implementation is greatly facilitated technically by the use of mechanical suture instruments. In this presentation, we describe and show the use of stapling instruments in achieving a three-stage repair of a rectovaginal fistula with Bricker and Johnston's technique.     

Fistula-in-ano in Crohn's disease

The outcome of aggressive surgical treatment of 64 symptomatic anal fistulas in 55 patients with Crohn's disease has been studied. Forty-one fistulas, in 33 patients, were treated by conventional fistulotomy (17 subcutaneous, 19 intersphincteric, 5 low transsphincteric fistulas). Thirty wounds (73 percent) healed within 3 months and eight more wounds (93 percent) healed within 6 months. Three wounds did not heal within 12–18 months. Two of these patients subsequently required proctocolectomy. Wound healing was not influenced by the presence of rectal Crohn's disease or granulomatous inflammation in the tract. No change in continence was experienced by 26 of the 33 patients who underwent fistulotomy. Three patients required proctocolectomy and the remaining four patients experienced minor degrees of incontinence postoperatively. Sixteen high transsphincteric, five suprasphincteric, and one extrasphincteric fistula in 22 patients were treated by laying open external tracts and placing a noncutting seton through the sphincter, which was left in place for prolonged periods to maintain drainage. During follow-up (6 months to 10 years, median 2.5 years), three fistulas healed and seven remained quiescent. Nine patients required further treatment by a new seton and three patients required proctocolectomy. Eight of the 22 patients who had a seton inserted had no change in continence, and six patients in this group developed minor changes in continence, mostly related to diarrhea associated with intestinal disease. Anal fistulas in Crohn's disease, which involve minimal sphincter muscle, can be successfully treated by fistulotomy. High fistulas should be treated with seton drainage to limit recurrent suppuration and preserve sphincter function.Read at the 89^th meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, St Louis, Missouri April 29–May 4 1990.     

Surgical management of ileosigmoid fistulas in Crohn's disease

Ileosigmoid fistulas are found in Crohn's disease and may present a surgical dilemma. PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine surgical practice to determine types of intervention, enumerate complications, and elicit guidelines for surgical management. METHOD: The medical records of patients with ileosigmoid fistula and Crohn's disease from 1975 to 1995 were reviewed. RESULTS: Ninety patients (44 men) were studied. A preoperative diagnosis of ileosigmoid fistula was made in 77 percent of patients. Sigmoid repair was performed in 43 patients (47.8 percent), sigmoid resection in 32 patients (35.6 percent), 12 patients (13.3 percent) underwent more extensive procedures, and 3 patients (3.3 percent) either had surgery elsewhere or were observed. The fistula was never directly responsible for a stoma. The repair and resection groups were similar with respect to age, length of Crohn's disease, and preoperative symptoms. There was no significant difference between groups in the incidence of postoperative complications; there were no postoperative deaths. Average length of stay was 8.3 days following repair and 9.9 days after resection. Reasons for resection included significant purulence or inflammation, a large fistula defect, a defect on the mesenteric border of the sigmoid, and active sigmoid Crohn's disease. Surgeon's assessment of the presence of Crohn's disease in the sigmoid correlated with pathologic examination and was aided by knowledge of recent endoscopic appearance and biopsy results; intraoperative frozen section and colonoscopy were helpful in distinguishing serosal inflammation from active Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: Contrast studies identified 77 percent of ileosigmoid fistulas preoperatively. Performing repair rather than resection does not increase the risk of complications, if standard surgical principles are followed. Preoperative or intraoperative endoscopy assists the surgical evaluation of the sigmoid.Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Seattle, Washington, June 9 to 14, 1996.     

Cutting seton without preliminary internal sphincterotomy in management of complex high fistula-in-ano

PURPOSE: The traditional treatment of a complex high fistula-in-ano by internal sphincterotomy and insertion of a cutting seton carries a risk of fecal incontinence. We have assessed the functional impact of treating patients with a complex fistula-in-ano by a cutting seton fistulotomy technique that preserves the internal sphincter. METHODS: The operative steps consisted of initial eradication of sepsis, identification of the internal and external openings of the fistula tract, excision of the fistula tract with anal canal mucosa, and insertion of a cutting silk seton around both the internal and external sphincters. In this way open drainage of the intersphincteric space was avoided, and integrity of the internal sphincter was maintained. Functional outcome following treatment with this technique, with regard to fistula eradication and effect on fecal continence was assessed in 27 patients (15 males) who were treated during a six-year period. Twenty-three patients (85 percent) had a history of previous fistula surgery. RESULTS: The fistula was cured in 26 patients (96 percent) with no reports of altered continence at the time of discharge from outpatient review. Recurrence developed in one patient (4 percent) in whom hidradenitis suppurativa was subsequently diagnosed. All four patients with Crohn's disease had their fistulas eradicated; three (75 percent) have subsequently undergone proctectomy for severe perianal and rectal Crohn's involvement. Long-term follow-up revealed three patients (19 percent, all rectovaginal fistulas) who experienced a deterioration in continence after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Although this procedure may not be appropriate for rectovaginal fistulas, the data suggest that cutting setons are effective in treating complex fistula-in-ano, including those that have failed to respond to other forms of surgery. Avoidance of preliminary internal sphincterotomy may prevent deterioration in continence.Published in abstract form inGut 1992;33:156A and Int J Colorectal Dis 1992;7:232.     

Treatment for Horseshoe Fistulas-In-Ano with Primary Closure of the Internal Fistula Opening: A Clinical and Manometric Study

INTRODUCTION We report on a patient cohort with dorsal horseshoe fistulas-in-ano. We sought to answer the question of whether these fistulas can be operatively treated, implementing a sphincter-preserving fistulectomy with primary closure of the internal opening, as is done when treating transsphincteric anal fistulas. Long-term clinical course is examined here and operative methods are discussed.METHODS During the time period from 1985 to 2000, 42 patients (29 men, 13 women) with an average age of 44 ± 11 years were operatively treated for horseshoe fistulas-in-ano originating in cryptoglandular regions. Twenty patients originally had an abscess, which was surgically drained and then a seton was placed in the tract of the fistula. Later, a fistulectomy or curettage of the fistula tract with primary closure of the internal fistula opening was performed in all patients without severing the sphincter muscle. We implemented four different surgical techniques to facilitate this closure: the mucosa-submucosa advancement flap, the rectal wall advancement flap (part or full thickness), the anocutaneous advancement flap, and direct closure without any further mobilization. The follow-up averaged 58 months (1–14 years).RESULTS Thirty-seven of the 42 fistulas (88 percent) healed. In 31 patients, restitution occurred after the first operation, in 4 patients after the second operation and in 2 patients after the third operation. One patient developed a recurrence after the first operation and died from secondary causes before a second operation was performed. The other four patients were listed as unclear, because the time of observation was less than one year. The total recurrence rate of flap procedures is 23 percent (mucosa-submucosa advancement flap, 25 percent; rectal wall advancement flap, 35 percent; anocutaneous advancement flap, 25 percent; direct closure, 0 percent; not significant). Thirty-four (81 percent) of the 42 patients had previously been operatively treated on an average of three times. Twelve patients developed deficits in continence. Eight patients developed minor deficits, which included incontinence for flatus and problems with staining. Four patients became incontinent for liquid stools. There was a significant decrease in manometric resting pressure of 25 percent (from 123 ± 40 cm H₂O to 91 ± 29 cm H₂O) and in squeeze pressure of 21 percent (from 262 ± 70 cm H₂O to 207 ± 66 cm H₂O).CONCLUSIONS As in other high anal fistulas, horseshoe-shaped anal fistulas can be operatively treated implementing a fistulectomy combined with any of the above-mentioned forms of closure of the internal fistula opening, with good success rates and acceptable postoperative continence. Sufficient drainage of the retroanal region is of utmost importance. Through these measures, it is possible to avoid severing the sphincter muscle and to prevent an anal canal deformation (keyhole deformity).     

Perianal actinomycosis—A complication of a fistula-in-ano

Perianal actinomycosis is a rare complication of fistulain-ano. We report a case of an 82-year-old male with an atypical fistula that had an internal opening at a posterior crypt and, over an extense perianal and gluteal area, induration with multiple suppurative draining sinus tracts. He underwent fistulotomy and an ample excision of the diseased areas. The pathology report was actinomycosis. Further treatment with antibiotics was continued until the patient was clinically cured. The diagnosis of perianal actinomycosis requires a high degree of suspicion, and should be kept in mind when a fistula presents the aforementioned characteristics or in case of a recurrence after adequate surgical therapy.Poster presentation at the XIVth Biennial Congress of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Crete, Greece, October 25 to 29, 1992.     

Psoas abscess: Difficulties encountered

From 1961 to 1989, 67 patients underwent various surgical procedures for psoas abscess. Retrospective analysis was undertaken in an effort to determine optimal surgical therapy. Forty patients were cured with one operation. Twenty-one patients required two operations, four patients required three operations, and two patients required more than three operations. The reason for failure of treatment was failure to resect the diseased bowel or to drain the psoas abscess adequately. A technique to recognize and treat the abscess definitively will be illustrated. The most common etiologies were Crohn's disease in 49 patients, postoperative sepsis in eight patients, and complications of renal disease in four patients. The length of hospital stay ranged from 5 to 392 days (mean, 26 days). There were two deaths. Failure to recognize and treat psoas abscess results in considerable morbidity.Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, St. Louis, Missouri, April 29 to May 4, 1990.