Abstract:
This retrospective study details the findings and outcome in 34 homosexual men, out of a total of 177 patients, who underwent surgery for non-condylomatous perianal disease over a 2-year period. Of 34 homosexuals 20 presented with anorectal sepsis compared with 11 of 79 heterosexual male patients (X2 = 24.07, P less than 0.001). Lesions included chronic intersphincteric abscess (eight patients), anal fistula (seven patients) and chronic intersphincteric abscess and fistula (five patients). Anal fissure occurred in 15 patients, anal ulcer in three, skin tags in six, haemorrhoids in two and Kaposi's sarcoma in one. Eight patients were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody negative, four were asymptomatic HIV antibody positive, 12 had symptomatic HIV infection using the Centers for Disease Control classification and in ten patients HIV status was unknown. Irrespective of the type of surgery performed, healing occurred within 6 weeks of operation in all HIV antibody negative patients, all asymptomatic HIV antibody positive and in only one of nine patients with symptomatic HIV infection. Eight of nine patients with symptomatic HIV infection failed to heal by this time (X2 = 8.98, P less than 0.05). These findings suggest that the prevalence of anorectal sepsis in homosexual men is high and that symptomatic HIV infection is an important determinant of progress after surgery.
Keywords: Abscess/ETIOLOGY Adult Aged Anus Diseases/*ETIOLOGY/SURGERY Fissure in Ano/ETIOLOGY Follow-Up Studies *Homosexuality Human HIV Seropositivity Male Middle Age Prognosis Rectal Diseases/*ETIOLOGY/SURGERY Sexually Transmitted Diseases/ETIOLOGY Time Factors Ulcer/ETIOLOGY Wound Healing JOURNAL ARTICLE 900430
M9040623
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.