Anal sepsis: Etiology and epidemiology

Abstract

Anal sepsis is a common surgical condition. The management of anal sepsis requires sound knowledge of the anorectal anatomy and the etiology of the condition. The cryptoglandular hypothesis is widely accepted as the origin of primary anorectal sepsis. Anorectal abscesses, and fistulas are regarded as a single disease entity. However, from the various evidence, the cryptoglandular hypothesis could not ac- count for all of the primary anorectal sepsis. Underlying colorectal conditions and systemic diseases leading to anorectal suppuration should also be considered. The management of secondary anal sepsis is different from that of primary anorectal infection, and the primary diseases should be dealt with.