[Pelvi-rectal abscesses. Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up by transrectal ultrasonography]

Pelvirectal abscess usually presents with vague symptoms which may delay diagnosis and subsequent treatment. However, it is important to recognize this condition since these abscesses may interfere with the sphincter function or give rise to chronic fistulo-in-ano. We describe two patients in whom transrectal ultrasound was applied for diagnosis, and who were treated for a pelvirectal abscess. Both patients were admitted to our hospital because of tumour of the rectum. There were few symptoms and signs of infection. Transrectal ultrasound examination of the rectum made a significant contribution to early diagnosis. We also point out the advantage of transrectal ultrasound examination during follow-up, mainly because we were able to rule out malignant neoplasm by obtaining an ultrasound-guided specimen for histological examination.