EP.FRI.535 A clinical audit of post-operative antibiotics prescription in uncomplicated perianal abscesses

Abstract Aims Management of perianal abscesses continues to revolve around prompt surgical drainage. The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) guidelines state that all patients should have incision and drainage within 24 hours and antibiotics are not indicated in routine uncomplicated perianal abscesses. We aimed to study the antibiotics prescription after surgical drainage in a London university teaching hospital against the national standard. Methods A single-centred retrospective analysis of all emergency surgical admissions for incision and drainage of perianal abscess was carried out for a 6 month period. Patients’ demographics, Co-morbidities, local and systemic complications and readmissions were studied. Results A total of 36 patients, (mean age 43, 64% males) were included in this study, 21 received incision and drainage without antibiotics prescription, while 15 received empirical post-operative antibiotics. Indications for antibiotic therapy in this group included diabetes, immunocompromise, local complications (necrosis, cellulitis) and recurrence. There was no clear indication for antibiotics in 60% of patients who received them. 86% of patients had surgical drainage within 24 hours of presentation. One patient was readmitted for a second drainage 3 months later. Most common empirical agent used was co-amoxiclav (53%), followed by (33%) combination of co-amoxiclav and metronidazole. Conclusion Although surgical drainage was generally carried out in timely manner according to guidance, there was excessive post-operative antibiotic prescriptions. Increase awareness of guidelines is required to improve antibiotic stewardship in these surgical patients in order to avoid unnecessary drugs’ prescription.