Packing Versus no Packing in Perianal Abscess

Overview

Perianal abscess is a common surgical emergency that causes significant pain and discomfort. The standard treatment involves incision and drainage (I\&D) of the abscess cavity, traditionally followed by packing to prevent re-accumulation of pus and to promote healing. However, packing is often painful, requires frequent dressing changes, and increases patient discomfort as well as healthcare costs. Recent studies suggest that leaving the cavity unpacked may result in similar healing outcomes while reducing postoperative pain and shortening the length of hospital stay. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the outcomes of packing versus no packing of the perianal abscess cavity following I\&D. The study will evaluate postoperative pain using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, and 24 hours, duration of hospital stay, and the recurrence rate within one month. The findings of this research are expected to guide evidence-based clinical practice by improving patient comfort, reducing hospital burden, and optimizing postoperative care protocols.

This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of packing versus no packing of the perianal abscess cavity following incision and drainage (I\&D), the standard surgical management for this common anorectal condition. Perianal abscesses develop due to infection and obstruction of the anal glands, resulting in severe pain, swelling, and systemic discomfort. Traditionally, postoperative packing of the abscess cavity has been performed to maintain drainage, achieve hemostasis, and prevent re-accumulation of pus; however, this practice is associated with considerable pain, delayed wound healing, repeated dressing changes, and increased hospital visits. In contrast, leaving the cavity unpacked and allowing healing by secondary intention may minimize patient discomfort, reduce healthcare costs, and shorten recovery time without increasing the risk of recurrence. This study will be conducted among adult patients diagnosed with perianal abscess requiring I\&D, who will be randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (packing) and Group B (no packing). Postoperative pain will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6, 12, and 24 hours after the procedure. The duration of hospital stay and recurrence of the abscess within one month will also be recorded. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software, applying independent t-tests and chi-square tests to determine statistical significance, with a p-value \< 0.05 considered significant. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence-based insights into whether non-packing offers comparable or superior outcomes to conventional packing, ultimately guiding surgical practice toward safer, more comfortable, and cost-effective patient care.