Horseshoe Perianal Fistula. Diagnosis and Treatment in a Complex Case
Keywords:
anal fistula; abscess; diagnosisAbstract
Perianal fistula is an entity described since ancient times. It is a supurative condition involving the anus, perianal tissues and skin. The objective of this work is to show our experience in the management of a horseshoe anal fistula, a rare entity, difficult to treat due to its morphology and with an evolution not without complications. We present the case of a patient who after a trauma presented an ischiorectal abscess that led to a complex horseshoe fistula. Due to his underlying pathology, it was not possible to perform a magnetic resonance imaging to establish the diagnosis, so fistulography was used. He underwent surgery, fistulotomy and marsupialization of the edges. The patient was discharged without commitment of anal continence. It is observed how not so current techniques can be retaken if the patient does not admit modern alternatives.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Elena Zimmerman-Hernández, Luis Alberto Rivero-Alarcón

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