ENDOANAL ULTRASOUND IN PERIRECTAL ABSCESSES

Introduction: transrectal ultrasound is a useful exploration in the as sessment of local spread of rectal tumors. Aim: the aim of this study has been the knowledge of the results of transrectal ultrasound in per irectal abscesses. Patients and methods: forty patients suffering from perianal septic disease were examined with endoanal echography before surgical approach. The endorectal probe used teas initially of 5 MHz and in the last 25 patients of 7.5 MHz. Results: the examination could not be done in 8 patients because severe pain originated by the intro duction of the probe in the anal canal. The echographic findings show the exact location and extension of the abscesses as confirmed by the surgical exploration. In three patients we suspected a perirectal absc ess due to fever and anal pain but the anal exploration teas normal; t he ultrasonography showed the collection in all patients and two of th em were treated by echo-guided drainage. Conclusions: transrectal ultr asonography localizes and defines the extension of perirectal abscesse s, It is a very important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with clinical presumption, but not confirmation, of what kind of absce sses.