Antibiotics After Incision and Drainage to Prevent Fistula Formation After First Episode of Peria… (NCT07704359) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingPhase 4
Antibiotics After Incision and Drainage to Prevent Fistula Formation After First Episode of Perianal Abscess
United States236 participantsStarted 2026-08-03
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if antibiotics can prevent the formation of fistula-in-ano after incision and drainage of a first time of perianal abscess in adults. A perianal abscess is a collection of infected fluid near the anus. A Fistula-in-ano is an abnormal tunnel that can form between the anal canal and the skin after an abscess.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does taking antibiotics after incision and drainage of a perianal abscess lower the chance of developing a Fistula-in-ano? What medical problems or side effects do participants have after taking antibiotics or not taking antibiotics?
Researchers will compare participants who recieve antibiotics after abscess drainage with paticipants who do not recieve antibiotics after abscess drainage, to see if antibiotics lower the chance of developing a Fistula-in-ano.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to recieve antibiotics for 7 days after abscess incision and drainage or to not recieve antibiotics after abscess incision and drainage.
Attend follow-up clinic visits after incision and drainage as part of their standard of care.
Complete follow-up phone call about 12 months after incision and drainage. Allow the study team to review their medical record for abscess treatment, symptoms, recurrence, fistula-in-ano formation, additional procedures, and antibiotics side effects.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 18 years or older
* First episode of perianal abscess requiring incision and drainage
* Able to provide informed consent
* English or Spanish speaking patient
* Treating surgical team has determined that incision and drainage is clinically indicated as part of standard care
Exclusion Criteria:
* Known fistula-in-ano at presentation
* Prior perianal abscess within 12 months
* History of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
* Known or suspected anorectal malignancy
* Necrotizing soft tissue infection or Fournier's gangrene
* Systemic infection or sepsis
* Significant surrounding cellulitis or extensive soft-tissue infection for which antibiotics are clinically indicated
* Immunocompromised or immunosuppressed status, including active chemotherapy or radiation therapy, history of transplant, chronic systemic steroids, biologic immunosuppressive therapy, advanced or uncontrolled HIV/AIDS, or other clinically significant immunosuppression
* Cardiac condition requiring antibiotic prophylaxis or antibiotic therapy for procedures involving infected tissue
* Need for non-study antibiotics at the time of enrollment for another infection or medical indication
* Contraindication, allergy, or intolerance to all study antibiotic regimens
* Pregnant
* Prisoner
* Minor
* Adult unable to provide informed consent
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of participants who develop fistula in ano within 6 months after incision and drainage