[Opening of anorectal abscesses--with or without splitting of the fistula?].

An anorectal abscess has to be deroofed. If, in addition, a fistula is present, it is our policy (in a teaching institution with surgeons in training) to incise it only if easily visualized and situated up to the dentate line. Of 79 anorectal abscesses drainage alone was performed in 55 (group 1) and drainage with fistulatomy in 24 (group 2). One-third of the patients in group 1 needed a secondary fistula operation, but most of the others were free of symptoms after one intervention. In group 2 all but one of the patients were cured by the combined procedure. Incontinence was observed in none.