Avoiding Recurrence of Anorectal Abscess: The Impact of Patient Delay in Seeking Medical Attention

Abstract Objective Anorectal abscess is a frequent surgical problem. The objective of our retrospective study is to determine the clinical factors that mitigate complications of anorectal abscesses. Methods Data from a retrospective review of patients of one colorectal surgeon (GP) admitted and operated on for anorectal abscess at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Ocean University Medical Center between January 2019 and December 2022 were reviewed. Clinical information was obtained from medical records. Results A total of 48 patients underwent surgery for drainage of anorectal abscess. After a physical examination, 48% of patients (23 of 48) received diagnostic imaging to confirm the nature and location of the abscess. Approximately 73% of patients (36 of 48) presented with an anorectal fistula upon evaluation. Of the 48 patients, thirty (63%) were diagnosed with a perianal abscess. The abscess in the other 18 of the 48 patients was in other areas of the anorectal region. Eleven patients developed a recurrent abscess after undergoing initial drainage. On average, recurrent patients waited 59 days before seeking initial treatment, whereas nonrecurrent patients waited ∼21 days. Conclusion Patients who delay seeking medical attention are more likely to develop a recurrent abscess after receiving initial treatment. Diagnostic imaging with ultrasound and computed tomography significantly reduced transit time between the emergency room and the operating room. In both recurrent and nonrecurrent groups, no correlation was found between the size or location of the abscess and the chance of abscess recurrence.