Primary suture of anorectal abscess. A randomized study comparing treatment with clindamycin vs. clindamycin and Gentacoll

Abstract

Gentacoll (Schering-Plough A/S, DK-3520 Farum, Denmark) implant is a biologically absorbable collagen with gentamicin, which enables local use of gentamicin in an abscess cavity.

Purpose: To increase healing rate in treatment of perianal abscess with primary suture, the effect of intraoperative parenteral clindamycin and Gentacoll was investigated against monotherapy with intraoperative clindamycin in a randomized study.

Methods: One hundred seven patients, 55 in the Gentacoll group and 52 in the control group, were enrolled in the study and followed for three months.

Results: Twelve patients (22 percent) in the Gentacoll group developed a new abscess and/or fistula. In the control group nine patients (17 percent) developed a recurrent abscess or a fistula. In both groups 43 patients had an uneventful course. The differences between the two groups were not significant. Of all 107 patients, 19.5 percent had recurrent disease in the follow-up period. Duration of hospitalization and reconvalescence were identical in both groups. One case of superficial thrombophlebitis was seen after clindamycin. No other adverse effects to either Gentacoll or clindamycin were seen.

Conclusion: The study shows that Gentacoll is a safe preparation but is without value as a supplement to clindamycin in the treatment of acute perianal abscess with primary suture. The study has documented the value of this treatment under cover with a intraoperative dose of clindamycin.