[Fistula detection in perianal abscess. Prevention or unnecessary trauma?].

We analyzed our experience with one-stage treatment of anal abscesses and fistulae with regard to recurrence and incontinence in a retrospective study including 131 patients with a 100% follow-up. It was shown that one-stage treatment is safe, not always easy, and that incontinence was associated with a high recurrence rate rather than with fistula excision. We conclude that one-stage treatment by an experienced surgeon is the safest and most satisfactory treatment for patients with anal abscesses and simultaneous fistulae.