Perianal abscess and fistula in children in Zaria

Perianal abscess (PAA) and fistula-in-ano (FIA) are not uncommon in children, but reports from tropical Africa are uncommon. In a period of 17 years, 17 children aged 12 years and below were treated for these conditions in Zaria, Nigeria. There were 14 boys and 3 girls, aged 4 months-12 years (median 3 years), Eight had PAA (median age 3 years), 5 ischiorectal abscess (median age 5 years) and 4 FIA (median age 10 months). FIA followed pull through for anorectal malformation in 2 patients and in one it was preceded by PAA. PAA was associated with chronic fissure-in-ano in one patient and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus in one. One 16-month girl with an ischiorectal abscess developed severe perineal necrotising fascitis and separation and retraction of the anorectum. Escherichia coli was cultured in 2 patients with abscesses and staphylococcus aureus in another 2. Culture was sterile in 7 patients with abscesses. Treatment was by adequate incision and drainage for abscesses. Fistulectomy was the treatment for FIA, but in one patient a diversion colostomy was performed in addition as the fistula was a high one. The child who developed necrotising fascitis had debridement and diversion colostomy. FIA recurred in one patient necessitating repeat fistulectomy. Although the number of patients is small, perianal sepsis appears to be less common in our environment compared to developed countries. Some differences are highlighted.