Showing papers in "Southern Medical Journal in 1988"

Positive therapeutic effects of intercessory prayer in a coronary care unit population.

Abstract: The therapeutic effects of intercessory prayer (IP) to the Judeo-Christian God, one of the oldest forms of therapy, has had little attention in the medical literature. To evaluate the effects of IP in a coronary care unit (CCU) population, a prospective randomized double-blind protocol was followed. Over ten months, 393 patients admitted to the CCU were randomized, after signing informed consent, to an intercessory prayer group (192 patients) or to a control group (201 patients). While hospitalized, the first group received IP by participating Christians praying outside the hospital; the control group did not. At entry, chi-square and stepwise logistic analysis revealed no statistical difference between the groups. After entry, all patients had follow-up for the remainder of the admission. The IP group subsequently had a significantly lower severity score based on the hospital course after entry (P less than .01). Multivariant analysis separated the groups on the basis of the outcome variables (P less than .0001). The control patients required ventilatory assistance, antibiotics, and diuretics more frequently than patients in the IP group. These data suggest that intercessory prayer to the Judeo-Christian God has a beneficial therapeutic effect in patients admitted to a CCU.

Breast cancer: metastatic patterns and their prognosis.

Abstract: From 1969 to 1977, metastatic disease developed in 145 of the 558 patients treated for breast cancer at the University of Maryland Medical System. The most common first site of distant spread was bone (51%), followed by lung (17%), brain (16%), and liver (6%). The remaining 10% of patients had multiple metastatic sites. Fewer than 10% of the entire group received adjuvant chemotherapy after primary treatment. When metastatic disease appeared, most patients had palliative systemic chemotherapy and/or irradiation. In general, patients with initially negative axillary nodes had a longer median time until relapse (development of metastatic disease) and a longer survival time after diagnosis of metastases than patients with initially positive nodes. Liver was the least common initial metastatic site; while liver metastasis was seen only in patients with positive axillary nodes, it carried the worst prognosis. The overall median survival time after metastasis was 12 months for bone and lung lesions, three months for brain lesions, and only one month for liver metastasis. The median survival of patients with multiple metastatic sites was 7.5 months. No correlation was found between time until relapse and survival after metastasis. Patients in whom distant metastases developed relatively soon after the initial diagnosis had the same postmetastatic prognosis as patients whose disease metastasized later. No correlation was found between age at initial diagnosis and metastasis-free interval or survival after metastasis.

Surgical implications of jejunal diverticula.

Abstract: To gain insight into the surgical significance of acquired jejunal diverticula, we reviewed the experience at the teaching hospitals in our city during the past ten years. An antemortem diagnosis of jejunal diverticulosis was made in 27 men and 59 women with a mean age of 69.6 years. In 71 patients the diagnosis was made during upper gastrointestinal roentgenologic evaluation for abdominal symptoms, in three it was made during mesenteric arteriography or bleeding scan for massive rectal bleeding, in six it was made during exploratory laparotomy for acute abdominal signs and symptoms, and in the remaining six it was an incidental intraoperative finding. Surgical indications occurred in 13 patients (15%) and consisted of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding in four patients, blind loop syndrome in three, small bowel obstruction in three, diverticular perforation in two, and chronic abdominal pain requiring jejunal resection in one. In three additional patients with melena and nine with chronic abdominal pain, jejunal diverticulosis was the only abnormality detected; none of these patients had operation. Although the majority of patients with jejunal diverticula do not require surgical treatment, it may be necessitated by complications such as bleeding, perforation, obstruction, blind loop syndrome, or intractable abdominal pain.

Pancreatic heterotopia: a reappraisal and clinicopathologic analysis of 32 cases.

Abstract: A total of 32 histologically documented cases of heterotopic pancreas was found in a review of the records of the department of pathology at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 1977 and 1987. This review was done to ascertain the clinical significance of this uncommon entity. In 14 patients (44%), the aberrant pancreatic tissue was symptomatic; in the other 18 (56%), it was found incidentally. In the symptomatic group, the heterotopic pancreatic tissue was found in a duplication cyst of the ileum in one patient, in the common bile duct in one, in a Meckel's diverticulum in four, in the stomach in three, in a congenital duodenal diaphragm in one, in the duodenum in three, and in the ileum in one. The majority of heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the asymptomatic group was encountered in the jejunum (15 patients). Symptoms were related to complications, including obstruction of the common bile duct, mucosal ulcer with hemorrhage, intussusception, and intestinal obstruction, but not to pathologic conditions of the pancreas itself, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cyst or neoplasm. In all of the clinically significant cases, the clinical symptoms disappeared completely after surgical removal of the aberrant tissue. In 28 cases (87%), diagnosis was made by frozen section during operation. Preoperative diagnosis of aberrant pancreas was not made in any of the cases. Histologically, all cases showed pancreatic excretory ducts; in 31 cases (97%), exocrine glands were present, and in 27 cases (84%), islets of Langerhans were discernible. There was no relationship between symptoms and the presence of islets, acini, or ducts. Mallory's phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin stain was used to demonstrate zymogen granules in the acinar cells, and insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin were demonstrated with the horseradish peroxidase-antihorseradish peroxidase immunocytochemical staining technique; islets of Langerhans were also identified. Technetium Tc 99m scintigraphy was used to detect the bleeding source in a Meckel's diverticulum and an enteric duplication associated with ectopic gastric mucosa.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens: therapeutic considerations.

Abstract: Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare venous disorder that continues to be a major therapeutic challenge. We reviewed 16 cases of PCD treated during the past 15 years; 11 of the patients were male, and the average age of all the patients was 59 years. Malignant disease was the most common underlying condition (seven patients). Venous gangrene (VG) was present in seven extremities. Three treatment methods were used alone or in combination--intravenous heparin, venous thrombectomy, and thrombolytic therapy. Heparin was used initially in 13 patients; it yielded a successful result in seven (53%) patients, none of whom had VG. Venous thrombectomy was done in six patients; in three it was the primary procedure, in two it followed failure of heparin, and in one it followed failure of both heparin and thrombolytic therapy. Venous thrombectomy was successful in three (50%) patients, one of whom had early VG. Thrombolytic therapy was used on one occasion in conjunction with both heparin and venous thrombectomy, without benefit. Five patients died, all with VG, three after heparin only, one after heparin and venous thrombectomy, and one after all three treatment methods. Review of the 38 cases reported in the recent literature shows comparable results. These data suggest that nongangrenous forms of PCD respond well to systemic anticoagulation. Combination therapy using venous thrombectomy and heparin is indicated for severe ischemia, early VG, or failure of PCD to improve after six to 12 hours of heparin therapy. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens with VG is the lethal form of the entity and responds poorly to established therapy. Future therapeutic trials need to consider aggressive use of thrombolysis with or without thrombectomy.

Marijuana as a potential respiratory tract carcinogen: a retrospective analysis of a community hospital population.

Abstract: Surgical pathology reports for the last four years were scanned for patients under the age of 40 with the diagnosis of respiratory tract carcinoma A total of ten patients were identified and subsequently investigated for a history of marijuana use Among these, seven revealed a history for

White clot syndrome.

Abstract: Heparin therapy is currently a vital component in the medical management of thromboembolic events Despite its widespread use, it is associated with relatively few complications, and these are usually minor and quickly reversible Recently a much more dramatic and serious complication of heparin therapy has been identified In heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with associated thrombosis or "white clot syndrome," patients have paradoxic thromboembolic events while receiving heparin These events are of acute onset and of major consequence, often resulting in limb loss or death This paper describes our own experience with ten patients in whom the white clot syndrome occurred during heparin therapy for thrombotic or embolic events Both porcine and bovine heparin preparations were being given through various routes In the three cases in which platelet aggregation testing was completed, results were positive Our ten patients ultimately had a 20% major limb amputation rate and an overall 50% mortality

Blunt injuries of the cervical trachea: review of 51 patients.

Abstract: The low incidence of blunt trauma to the cervical portion of the trachea limits management experience in most centers. Hence, we combined our patients with those in published reports containing essential information on injury, treatment, and results. Among 51 patients (93% male), ages ranged from 3 to 65 years. There were 32 complete transections, 15 partial transections, and four tears. There were associated injuries of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (49%), esophagus (21%), larynx (14%), and cervical spine (9%). Presenting signs and symptoms included subcutaneous emphysema in 84%, respiratory distress in 76%, hoarseness/dysphonia in 46%, and hemoptysis in 21%. Tracheostomy was the best means of airway control; 13 of 17 (76%) attempted oral/nasotracheal intubations failed, necessitating emergency tracheostomy. Five patients with no respiratory distress and minimal tissue injury were successfully managed without tracheal repair. Ten patients had tracheal repair without tracheostomy. The only poor result occurred in a patient with a treatment delay of several days. Tracheal repair with tracheostomy was used in 27 patients, with good results in 19. Two patients died of other injuries, and six patients (four with delayed repair) required subsequent tracheal reconstruction. Repair over a stent was used in seven patients, four of whom had satisfactory results. From this review we conclude that (1) the diagnosis of blunt trauma to the cervical trachea requires a high index of suspicion, since this injury can easily be overlooked; (2) tracheostomy (vs intubation or cricothyroidotomy) is the preferred means of airway control; (3) preoperative laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy should be done to assess vocal cord function, possible laryngeal damage, and level of tracheal injury; (4) good long-term results, measured by voice and airway quality, are best obtained by immediate repair of significant injuries. Language: en

Comparison of a totally implantable access device for chemotherapy (Port-A-Cath) and long-term percutaneous catheterization (Broviac).

Abstract: Because of the difficulty in maintaining vascular access in patients receiving aggressive parenteral chemotherapy, a growing number of patients have had implantation of either percutaneous or subcutaneous devices allowing permanent intravenous access. In our study, between July 1980 and July 1985, 110 patients had placement of a Broviac catheter, while 100 patients had placement of a subcutaneous device via a subclavian venous approach. Both groups of patients were identical regarding age, primary malignancy, chemotherapy, and nutritional status. Catheter-related sepsis occurred in 15% and thrombotic occlusion in 22% of those patients with Broviac catheters, compared with 3% and 1%, respectively, in patients having subcutaneous reservoirs. Although the initial cost of the subcutaneous reservoir is greater, overall cost of maintenance of the percutaneous catheter far exceeds that of the reservoir because of the need for daily catheter care and heparin flushing of the Broviac device, which is unnecessary for the subcutaneous port. Our experience favors the use of the subcutaneous reservoir in patients receiving prolonged chemotherapy.

Abnormal urine color: differential diagnosis.

Abstract: An unusual urine color can occasionally be alarming to patient or physician. Abnormal urine color may indicate a range of normal or pathologic conditions. Variables that affect urine color include concentration, pH, ingested substances, and various metabolic abnormalities. Most causes can be determined by a careful history focusing on medications, foods, occupation, and family history. A few simple laboratory tests can confirm the diagnosis or narrow the list of possible causes. The evaluation should start with gross examination of the urine. Each abnormal color has a fairly limited differential diagnosis, which can be further narrowed by determining specific gravity and pH, and performing dipstick and microscopic examinations. The differential diagnosis can be narrowed further with ferric chloride or an ultraviolet (UV) light source. Rarely, more specific tests are useful. We present an algorithm that may be of benefit in the logical, inexpensive, and efficient evaluation of abnormal urine color.

Profound muscle weakness and hypokalemia due to clay ingestion.

Abstract: We have presented the case of a 43-year-old woman with severe myositis due to clay ingestion and hypokalemia. EMG studies revealed a pattern consistent with myositis, and muscle biopsy showed a nonspecific diffuse myositis. The clay was shown to act as a potassium binder. With potassium replacement and discontinuance of clay ingestion, the symptoms and signs abated and laboratory values returned to normal.

Nipple discharge: surgical significance.

Abstract: Nipple discharge is an important clinical entity ranking second only to a lump as the most common complaint among 7,588 patients having breast surgery (560/7,588, or 7.4%). In the office and clinic it is even more common, since many patients can be treated medically and do not require an operation. To be significant, a discharge should be true, spontaneous, persistent, and nonlactational. Nipple discharge can be milky, multicolored and sticky, purulent, clear (watery), yellow (serous), pink (serosanguineous), or bloody (sanguineous). Watery, serous, serosanguineous, and sanguineous discharges are surgically significant; while they are most often caused by intraductal papillomas or fibrocystic disease, they can be due to cancer or a precancerous mastopathy. Among 503 patients operated on for one of these types of discharge, 67 (13.3%) had cancer, and 36 (7.2%) had a precancerous mastopathy. Among the 67 patients with cancer, eight (11.9%) had no palpable mass, 11 (16.4%) had negative cytologic findings, and seven (10.4%) had a negative mammogram. The incidence of associated cancers increases when the discharge is, in order of increasing frequency, serous, serosanguineous, sanguineous, or watery, when it is accompanied by a lump, when it is unilateral and from a single duct, when there are positive cytologic or mammographic findings, and when the patient is more than 50 years of age. Milky discharge caused by galactorrhea is treated medically except when caused by a pituitary adenoma. Multicolored sticky discharge due to duct ectasia is also treated medically except in advanced cases. Purulent discharge caused by an abscess requires drainage and a biopsy of the abscess wall. Except in women less than 30 years of age of in those anxious to have children, we advise a complete central duct excision for patients with surgically significant types of discharge. If done carefully, this procedure can yield good cosmetic results.

Neonatal Withdrawal Symptoms After Chronic Maternal Ingestion of Caffeine

Abstract: We have identified eight infants born to mothers who were heavy users of caffeine during pregnancy. These infants exhibited unusual behavior in the immediate newborn period. Predominant symptoms were irritability, jitteriness, and vomiting. The eight infants had extensive diagnostic studies and none of the usual causes for their symptoms were identified. Caffeine was present in the serum of six infants, and three of the six infants had caffeine in their urine. The symptoms resolved spontaneously. We hypothesize that these infants were exposed to high maternal levels of caffeine for the majority of the pregnancy, resulting in a withdrawal syndrome after delivery.

Assessment of psychosocial functioning of patients with sickle cell disease.

Abstract: :The Chronic Illness Problem Inventory (CIPI) was used to assess level of psychosocial functioning in 89 patients with sickle cell disease. The results indicated that sickle cell patients have significant psychosocial distress in the areas of employment and finances, sleeping and eating, and

Cartilage tumors of the larynx.

Abstract: Tumors of cartilage in the larynx arise either from the cartilaginous skeleton of the larynx or as metaplastic nodules in laryngeal soft tissues, unassociated with the hyaline cartilages of the larynx. Chondrosarcomas, nearly always histologically low-grade, make up the largest numbers of the neoplasms and arise principally from the cricoid cartilage. Despite a recurrence rate of 65%, conservative surgical management, when possible, is advocated to preserve the larynx. Chondrometaplastic nodules are to be distinguished from chondrosarcoma and the rarely occurring chondroma. The nodules are not neoplastic and have a low to nil recurrent potential.

Computer-assisted learning compared with weekly seminars for teaching fundamental electrocardiography to junior medical students.

Abstract: This study was designed to assess whether a self-study interactive computer program is more effective than weekly seminars for teaching fundamental skills of electrocardiographic interpretation to junior medical students. Forty-two students were assigned to the computer and 41 to the seminar

Carbamazepine in the treatment of phantom limb pain.

Abstract: The successful use of carbamazepine in treating a case of severe phantom limb pain prompted me to review this condition and its experiential treatment with carbamazepine, as well as the drug's possible mechanism of action on phantom limb pain Experience to date indicates the need for controlled double-blind crossover studies to test the therapeutic validity of carbamazepine

Clinical efficacy of temporal artery biopsy in Nashville, Tennessee.

Abstract: A retrospective study of temporal artery biopsies done over one decade in four Nashville hospitals yielded 412 procedures on 394 patients. Diagnosis was obtained in 17%, and the procedure was helpful in 21% of patients. Only two complications were recorded. There was no correlation between l

Trachea-innominate artery fistula: retrospective comparison of treatment methods.

Abstract: A fistula between the trachea and the innominate artery, a potentially fatal complication of tracheostomy, can be managed successfully We have derived several guidelines from our experience with one such case and from a review of the 36 cases reported in the literature over the last decade Diagnosis must be established before exsanguination occurs Bronchoscopy and angiography are often nondiagnostic Control of hemorrhage and a patent airway are the initial goals of treatment Interruption of the innominate artery is the definitive treatment, with a low rebleeding rate (7%, 1/14 cases) and good long-term survival (64%, 9/14 cases) Maintenance of continuity of the innominate artery is contraindicated, because of a high rebleeding rate (60%, 6/10 cases) and poor long-term survival (10%, 1/10 cases) There is no convincing evidence that interruption of the innominate artery causes significant neurologic or vascular compromise

Near-total gastric necrosis caused by acute gastric dilatation.

Abstract: Gastric dilatation caused by psychogenic polyphagia or bulimia may, under extreme circumstances, progress to total gastric necrosis. We have described a patient in whom acute abdominal symptoms and signs developed while he was receiving psychiatric treatment. Laparotomy showed massive gastric dilatation with near-total infarction. Total gastrectomy with cervical esophagostomy, feeding and decompressing jejunostomies, and wide drainage of the gastric bed were done. After staged reconstruction, recovery was uneventful.

Massive schwannoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Abstract: Schwannomas, uncommon tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses, are discovered late in their clinical course because of their obscure anatomic location. In this report, we have described the clinical findings in a massive nasal schwannoma (neurilemoma) that obstructed both nares, the left maxillary sinus, and the ethmoid sinuses, and protruded from the oropharynx and nose. The preoperative work-up included both computerized tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging studies.

Ganglions of the hand and wrist.

Abstract: The ganglion is the most common soft tissue tumor of the hand and wrist, originating from the joint capsule or tendon sheath. Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of these entities require a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the wrist and hand as well as of the ganglion itself. Definitive therapy is based on total surgical removal of the cyst and its connections to the joint or tendon sheath.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: clinical experience and follow-up.

Abstract: To assess our clinical experience with this method of enteral feeding, we conducted a retrospective study and follow-up of 73 patients having percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). In addition, we conducted a telephone survey of 42 persons who cared for the PEG tube. The most common indication was neurologic impairment of deglutition. Early and late complications occurred in 12% and 33% of cases, respectively, and were usually minor. Our 30-day survival was 74%. Most patients (77%) maintained their weight with standard tube feedings. Satisfaction with and acceptance of the PEG was almost universal. Patients should be carefully selected, with attention to long-range benefit.

Pediatric prehospital care in a southern regional emergency medical service system.

Abstract: A retrospective review of 2,302 ambulance run reports from the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Service System indicated that 6% of all runs are for patients in the pediatric age group (less than 18 years of age). Injuries related to emergencies were responsible for more than 65% of pediatric runs, and 30% were related to motor vehicle accidents. Surprisingly, 8% of calls were for seizure disorders, a figure much higher than in the adult population. Approximately 38% of the runs involved children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Significantly more male than female patients were involved. This descriptive epidemiologic study is antecedent to effective planning and implementation of pediatric prehospital care programs. Training of emergency personnel should be targeted toward treating motor vehicle injuries, seizures, poisoning, and upper airway obstruction in children.

Ovarian tumors in children.

Abstract: Ovarian tumors in the pediatric age group, although rare, can be malignant and lethal; the most common is the germ cell tumor. Operation and chemotherapy with multiple drugs is recommended to improve survival. For children with benign ovarian tumors, preservation of ovarian tissue should be a priority. Thirty children with ovarian tumors were treated at Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, over the past 19 years. The average patient age was 12 years. Presenting symptoms were acute pain (46%), chronic pain (33%), increased abdominal girth (21%), and a palpable mass (55%). Plain x-ray films of the abdomen, ultrasonography, and intravenous pyelography were helpful in making the diagnosis preoperatively. Emergency laparotomy for an acute abdominal condition was done in ten patients. Twenty-two tumors were benign and eight were malignant. Of the malignant tumors, six (75%) were germ cell tumors, one was a sex cord tumor, and one was a cystadenocarcinoma. Benign tumors were managed by cystectomy or oophorectomy. For malignant tumors, oophorectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy was done initially, followed by chemotherapy and "second look" procedures. Survival ranged from five months to nine years, with an average of 46 months. Four patients died between five and 40 months after diagnosis; the other four have a median survival of 76 months.

Improving compliance with preventive medicine procedures in a house staff training program.

Abstract: Performance of health maintenance procedures by internal medicine house staff is inadequate, yet little has been published outlining means to improve performance rates. We prospectively studied the effectiveness of a reminder system to improve screening by Pap smear, rectal examination with stool guaiac test, breast examination, and pneumococcal vaccine administration in two resident outpatient clinics. Performance of these preventive health measures was determined during a six-week baseline period and again after five months of chart reminders to residents in one clinic, and after six months without reminders. For the intervention, a physician's assistant screened each chart and attached a reminder to the front indicating which procedures were overdue based on published recommendations. Health screening behavior was not significantly different between the two resident clinics during baseline. After the five-month reminder intervention, residents in both groups moderately increased their preventive health activities over baseline; however, only the reminded group showed significant improvement (chi 2 = 11.60, P less than .001). Six months after remainders were discontinued there was no difference in overall performance between the two clinics (chi 2 = 2.79, NS). The reminded group did preserve its significant improvement over the baseline phase (chi 2 = 6.12, P less than .01). This simple reminder system had a modest but statistically significant positive impact on health screening behavior. Despite this improvement, absolute rates of screening remained below 50% in both clinics.

Early closure of posthysterectomy vesicovaginal fistulas.

Abstract: This report presents the results of early closure of 11 posthysterectomy vesicovaginal fistulas, using a modified transvaginal approach. Early repair of this complication is acceptable and probably desirable. Review of the English literature indicate that these 11 patients comprise the single largest series of patients treated by early vaginal repair.

Penetrating facial trauma: a management plan.

Abstract: :Penetrating wounds of the face present a spectrum of injuries and multiple management dilemmas. The surgeon's first concern remains the establishment of a proper airway and control of life-threatening injuries. Selected ancillary diagnostic procedures should be used to confirm vascular, aer

Adenotonsillectomy in children: indications and contraindications.

Abstract: Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are the most common major operations done on children. The indications for tonsillectomy in certain clinical situations are constantly being debated in the literature and among professionals. We studied the efficacy (or lack of it) of adenotonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis (recurrent throat infections), oral nasal obstruction, peritonsillar abscess, elimination of a bacterial carrier state, biopsy, and prevention of tongue thrusting with resultant anterior open bite. Adenoidectomy has been advocated in the literature for the treatment of nasal obstruction, sinusitis, and chronic serous otitis media. Complications of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy include hemorrhage, anesthetic death, infection, nasopharyngeal stenosis, patulous eustachian tube, and hypernasality. Children at risk for hypernasality are those with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorders, and submucous cleft of the soft palate. Because of the severity of the complications that can be encountered in any child, medical and conservative therapy should be attempted before operation is done. Proper antibiotic therapy will often control chronic serous otitis, sinusitis, and chronic, recurrent tonsillitis. Bacterial synergy is important to consider when selecting antibiotic therapy, since beta-lactamase production may protect pathogens commonly considered susceptible to standard antibiotic therapy.

Catheter drainage of ischiorectal abscesses.

Abstract: AB colon; We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 55 patients with ischiorectal abscesses treated from 1980 to 1983 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The patients were treated by placement of a 10F to 16F soft latex mushroom catheter into the abscess cavity under local anesthesia as an office procedure. The end of the catheter was shortened to leave 2 to 3 cm exiting the skin, and a bandage was applied. No sutures or irrigations were used, and the drains were removed an average of 12 days after placement. Antibiotics were not given. The patients ranged in age from 17 to 76 years (mean, 40 years) and 36% were female. Four patients had diabetes, and eight had a history of inflammatory bowel disease. Nine patients had been treated previously for anorectal abscesses. There were no complications. Adequate follow-up was obtainable in 31 patients (ten to 63 months; mean, 30 months). Eight of them (26%) were subsequently treated for fistulas found after resolution of the abscess, and an additional eight (26%) had a second abscess form during the follow-up period. The average time to this recurrence was 20 months. Catheter drainage of ischiorectal abscess in selected cases resulted in healing with low morbidity and significant cost savings.