Retrorectal abscess

The operation for retrorectal abscess

1.1 The steps in the operation for retrorectal abscess: With the patient in a knee-elbow position, a transverse incision is made right or left of the anococcygeal ligament

1.2 The steps in the operation for retrorectal abscess:After it has been widenend with retractors the surgeon dissects the wound, using his finger as a guide

The operation for retrorectal abscess is performed with the patient in a kneeelbow position under local anesthesia or in Depage’s position under inhalation anesthesia.

Depending on the site of the abscess a transverse incision is made posteriorly cither to the left or to the right of the anococcygeal ligament (Fig. 1,1).

Following dissection of the skin the surgeon inserts his left index finger into the rectum, while the assistant
draws the wound apart with retractors. Using his finger as a guide, the surgeon then cuts tissues down to the abscess keeping close to the surface of the coccyx (Fig. 1,2). After the pus has been evacuated the abscess cavity is washed with antibiotic solutions (Fig. 1, 3). To complete the operation, the abscess cavity is packed with Vishnevsky ointment or with ointment in Peruvian balsam (Fig. 1,4).

1.3 The steps in the operation for retrorectal abscess: The abscess cavity is washed with hydrogen peroxide

1.4 The steps in the operation for retrorectal abscess: The wound is packed with Vishnevsky ointment. (Schematic).

Using this technique, a total of 1,200 operations for all types of acute anorectal abscesses have been performed with the cure rate of   92 per cent.