This study compares the results of de Pezzer catheter drainage of anorectal abscess with the more traditional technique of incision and packing. A prospective study from this department in 1987 detailed the outcome of patients with anorectal abscess managed routinely by de Pezzer catheter drainage. Ninety-one patients were treated, 18 required general anaesthesia, the mean hospital stay was 1.4 days, and 24% subsequently required fistula surgery. A retrospective study has now been undertaken of all patients admitted to Wellington Hospital with anorectal abscess during the same period who were treated by incision and packing. Of 54 patients treated, all had general anaesthesia, the mean hospital stay was 4.5 days, 63% needed district nursing care after discharge and 25% required fistula surgery. Simple de Pezzer drainage is not only safe, convenient and well tolerated by patients, but it compares very favourably with the more traditional method of treating anorectal abscesses and, as a consequence of the minimal hospital care necessary, it must necessarily be a much cheaper method of treatment.