[Surgical therapy of anorectal abscesses and fistulas]

Retrospective analyses were made of 171 of 200 patients on whom operations had been performed for anorectal abscesses and fistulas, between 1981 and 1985. For abscess exposure and deroofing, we tried to perform simultaneous fistulotomy, with no recurrence being recorded from 37 patients treated that way. The major courses of anorectal fistulas proved to be predictible in most cases. Surgical approach and postoperative management are described in some detail. Clinical records were evaluated together with a questionnaire, with particular reference being made to the type of fistula, susceptibility to recurrence, faecal continence as well as length of hospitalisation and certified absence from work.