Presentation and management of perirectal sepsis

Perirectal sepsis is a potentially severe complication which may follow minor anorectal intervention and be slow to be diagnosed and treated. We report the presentation and outcome of three patients with perirectal sepsis of differing aetiologies. Awareness of the possible diagnosis, urgent investigation with cross-sectional imaging and immediate treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics is vital. However, radical surgical intervention may be necessary. This report highlights the importance of investigating patients with persistent pelvic pain after minor anorectal procedures or trauma and maintaining a high index of suspicion for this important complication.