The deep postanal space is located posterior to the anal canal. In the sagittal plane, it is delimited on the anterior side by the external sphincter complex, the posterior-inferior side by the coccyx and anococcygeal ligament, and above by the superior levator ani muscle. An abscess located in this space is known as a deep postanal abscess (DPA) and can cause posterior horseshoe abscesses. Clinical suspicion, diagnosis and emergency treatment are a challenge for general surgeons. We present a real case using an illustrative video that shows how to identify a DPA on computed tomography and how to perform correct surgical drainage.
FundingNo research funding was received for this article.
Conflict of interestsThe authors have no conflict of interests to report.
Please cite this article as: Pujol-Cano N, García-Granero Á, Fernández-Vega L, González-Argenté FX. Absceso postanal profundo. Estrategia diagnóstico-terapéutica de urgencia. Cir Esp. 2022;100:305.