Incidence of fistulas subsequent to anal abscesses

Two hundred thirty-two patients with anal abscesses were followed from six months to 13 years after incision and drain-age was done as an office procedure. Most of these (88 per cent) were evaluated more than two years after the onset of their initial disease. One hundred fifty-four (66 per cent) went on to develop fistula-in-ano, while 78 (34 per cent) had no further problem. Our study encourages us to continue to incise and drain these abscesses in the office, reserving hospitalization for those who later develop fistulas.