Tunnel thread-drawing therapy in treating patients with horseshoe-shaped low-position perianal abscess: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Tunnel thread-drawing therapy is an effective treatment for complex anal fistula, and this therapy may be used for horseshoe-shaped low-position perianal abscess. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the therapeutic effects of tunnel thread-drawing therapy in treatment of horseshoe-shaped low-position perianal abscess. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A total of 68 patients with horseshoe-shaped low-position perianal abscess were from Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shanghai Tianshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, and were randomly divided into treatment group and control group. There were 34 cases in each group. The patients in the treatment group received thread-drawing therapy and the patients in the control group received multiple incisions and drainage. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lasting time of postoperative pain, healing time of incision, average area of the wound scar, anal function and postoperative recurrence were observed in the two groups. Late postoperative follow-up was from half a year to three years. RESULTS: The lasting time of postoperative pain and healing time of incision in the treatment group were shortened as compared with those in the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in postoperative recurrence rate between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a significant curative effect of tunnel thread-drawing therapy in treatment of horseshoe-shaped low-position perianal abscess.