Use of a rectal hook for perirectal abscess drainage.

Drainage of various types of perirectal abscesses can be facilitated by the use of a rectal hook, allowing many of these infections to be easily handled in the outpatient setting. Several types of abscesses, including ischiorectal and pelvirectal abscesses, although usually originating at the crypts of Morgagni, cannot be drained adequately by this technique. Differential diagnosis of anal pain is considered.