What are Perianal Abscess?

A perianal abscess is an abscess found around the anus. An abscess is a collection of pus, which is a yellowish-green liquid produced by infected tissue.

Perianal Abscess

Symptoms of Perianal Abscess

Most patients with perianal abscess complain of:

  • Pain, redness, and unusual warmth around anus.
  • Difficulty in sitting and passing stool (feces).
  • Anal swelling.
  • Draining pus.
  • Fever and generalized body pain.

Causes of Perianal abscess

Perianal abscess is caused by a bacterial infection of a small gland just inside the anus. Perianal abscesses are more common in patients suffering from Crohn’s disease and diabetes mellitus.

Risk Factors of Perianal abscess

Perianal abscess is more commonly seen in certain high risk groups who have:

  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Compromised immune systems.
  • Receptive anal sex.
  • Crohn’s disease.
  • Anal fissures.

Complications of Perianal Abscess

  • Repeated infections
  • Sepsis
  • Severe pain
  • Infection spreading to nearby areas
  • Fistula formation

Diagnosis of Perianal Abscess

Your doctor will make a diagnosis of perianal abscess by taking a detailed history and looking at the affected area. Your doctor may advise routine blood tests and may send drained pus for culture.

Treatment of Perianal Abscess

Antibiotics, pain killers, laxatives, and warm baths provide temporarily relief, but a perianal abscess needs to be surgically drained.

Surgical Management of Perianal Abscess

Incision and drainage is a simple procedure in which a small opening is made in the perianal abscess so the pus can be drained from the infected cavity. Due to its location and pain, your doctor may recommend performing it in an operating room under general anesthesia.
In some persons, pus may drain spontaneously. In these cases surgery may not be needed. Your doctor will advise you further after a thorough examination.

Follow-up After Surgery

  • Your doctor will recommend daily bandage dressings to keep the wound clean and dry.
  • You will also have a follow-up appointment with your doctor. This is usually about 2 weeks later.
  • You should keep the affected area clean.
  • You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • You should not go swimming until the wound has completely healed.

Diet and Exercise

Physical activity is encouraged as is tolerable. You should not lift heavy objects nor do strenuous exercise untill wound is healed.
No specific dietary restrictions are needed.