Invasive necrotizing infection second to anorectal abscess - A report of three cases

Anorectal abscess is one of the most common diseases in proctology, and may vary from minor irritation to fatal illness. The factors contributing to such fatal potential are delay in diagnosis, inadequate and inappropriate treatment, and associated systemic diseases. In the past five years, three such cases have been diagnosed; two died and one survived. This report of the cases is prepared to call attention to this condition. In this article, the clinical pictures, etiology, pathogenesis, bacteriology and treatment are discussed. Early diagnosis, wide and deep incision, adequate debridement of necrotic tissue, and appropriate antibiotic therapy can preclude a fatal outcome of this disease.