The role of surgery in primary syphilis of the anus

Abstract

Surgery has no role in the treatment of primary (infectious) syphilis of the anorectum. In this paper, we describe four patients who presented directly to the surgeon complaining of localized anal lesions. In three patients, the chancre was excised and in one patient the correct diagnosis was made prior to surgery. Rectal pain, which we attributed to secondary infection, was the chief complaint in three patients. Two patients also complained of tender lymphadenopathy. Darkfield examination is the most important diagnostic technique and penicillin remains the drug of choice. When treating diseases of the anorectum, the surgeon must maintain a high index of suspicion and a constant awareness of the manifold presentations of primary syphilis.