Perineal abscess eight years after total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis

Total proctocolectomy following surgery for ulcerative colitis and carcinoma may be associated with difficulty in healing of the perineal wound. The presentation of delayed abscesses may be insidious in nature and present a diagnostic dilemma. We present a patient with delayed abscess eight years following total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. Early use of computerized tomography is helpful in evaluating the late occurrence of pain in these patients.