Could a simple antibiotic course after abscess drainage prevent future fistulas?

NCT ID NCT04549311

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial looked at whether giving antibiotics after draining a perianal abscess can stop a painful fistula from forming. It involved 15 adults who had surgery for an abscess. Some got antibiotics, others did not. The main goal was to see if a larger study is even possible, not to prove the treatment works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: antibiotics (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid or ciprofloxacin + metronidazole)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple way to prevent painful fistulas after an abscess, reducing the need for more surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a very small vanguard trial with only 15 people, designed to test feasibility, not effectiveness. The evidence so far is low quality, so results may not be reliable.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anal fistula prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PERIANAL ABSCESS PERIANAL FISTULA

Contacts and locations

Locations

North York General Hospital

North York, Ontario, M2K 1E1, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
The Ottawa Hospital

Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada

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