A 35-year-old woman has a painful perianal abscess with fluctuance. Which treatment is appropriate?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Incision and drainage under anaesthesia
- Step 1: Abscesses need drainage.
- Step 2: Antibiotics alone do not cure a collection of pus.
Answer
Incision and drainage under anaesthesia.
Why not the others: Oral antibiotics alone for two weeks, without drainage: Antibiotics alone leave pus in place. Warm baths only and review in two weeks: Baths alone are inadequate for a fluctuant abscess. Topical hydrocortisone cream for the area: Steroid cream does not treat infection.
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