EFFICACY OF TAMPONADE DRESSINGS AFTER PERIANAL ABSCESS SURGERY

Abstract

Perianal abscess is a common anorectal infection requiring prompt surgical drainage. Postoperative management of the residual cavity remains variable, and the role of tamponade dressings in promoting wound healing continues to be debated. A 28-year-old male driver presented with a two-day history of progressively enlarging perianal swelling associated with pain and one day of fever. Clinical examination revealed a 3 × 4 cm tender, indurated swelling at the 9 o’clock position in the perianal region. Per rectal examination was unremarkable, and a diagnosis of acute perianal abscess was established. The patient underwent emergency incision and drainage, yielding approximately 10 mL of pus. A tamponade dressing was applied postoperatively and changed every three days. On postoperative day 1, the wound was healthy with minimal slough and no active discharge. By postoperative day 4, healthy granulation tissue was observed, and the patient was discharged with satisfactory wound healing. This case demonstrates that tamponade dressings may support effective postoperative wound healing following perianal abscess drainage by facilitating drainage and promoting granulation tissue formation.