PPAC2: Packing of Perianal Abscess Cavities 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of postoperative Packing of Perianal Abscess Cavities: a multicentre randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
226070
Contact name
James Hill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
A perianal abscess is an infection close to the back passage (anus). It occurs in thousands of UK patients every year. Standard treatment is a small operation under general anaesthetic when an opening is made in the abscess to let out the infection. The usual treatment is then to place a dressing into the wound (packing). The wound pack is changed every one to two days. Packing has traditionally been used as it is thought to aid healing. However, packing wounds is painful and a small study has suggested that packing may not help wound healing. We are conducting a study (Packing of Perianal Abscess Cavities, PPAC2) on patients after drainage of a perianal abscess. This will answer the question whether simple dressings on the wound surface are better than traditional packing into the wound. Over a 6-months period, we will assess patients' discomfort after surgery, time taken to return to normal activities and how patients’ quality of life is affected. We will also check that the new treatment (simple dressings rather than packing) does not increase the risk of complications from the abscess. We will check healing rates and recurrent infections in each patient. Patients will be invited to participate in PPAC2 after abscess drainage. A computer will randomly assign patients (like tossing a coin) to the new treatment of simple wound dressings or the traditional treatment (wound packing). Patients will keep a diary of dressing or packing changes, discomfort they feel after leaving hospital and return to normal activities. Patients will be seen in clinic to check healing. Results will be shared by publication in medical journals, and feedback to doctors, community nurses and organisations such as National Institute Clinical Evidence. The team undertaking the study is composed of experts with a track record of research in this field.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0529
Date of REC Opinion
8 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion