Anal Abscess: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgical Options

Anal abscess

A few months ago, I developed a lump near my left buttock close to the anus, which was painful to touch (it felt like a large pimple).
However, it did not improve over time.
In late June, it ruptured and began to ooze blood and some pus, so I made an appointment to see a doctor.
The doctor said it was an infection due to inflammation inside.
Later, I was prescribed antibiotics and an ointment.
After that, the wound reduced in size, and there was no more swelling or pain.
However, the wound has not healed completely, and it continues to discharge a small amount of pus.
I would like to ask the doctor if this is what is referred to as an anal abscess? If so, I have heard that surgery is necessary for complete healing.

A Chang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/04

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

An anal abscess typically does not last this long; if symptoms have persisted for several months, it may have developed into an anal fistula.
If antibiotic treatment does not lead to complete healing, surgical intervention may be necessary to cure the anal fistula.
Surgery generally requires a three-day hospital stay, and if performed in a facility covered by national health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is approximately two thousand NT dollars.
Postoperative pain is usually more severe during the first week, and the recovery time for this type of surgical wound is longer, typically requiring 3 to 6 weeks for complete healing.

Reply Date: 2017/08/04

More Info

An anal abscess is indeed a painful condition that can arise from an infection in the anal glands, leading to the formation of pus-filled cavities. Based on your description, it seems that you may be experiencing an anal abscess, especially since you mentioned the presence of a painful lump near the anus that eventually ruptured, leading to the discharge of blood and pus.

Symptoms of Anal Abscess
The symptoms of an anal abscess typically include:
- A painful lump near the anus that may feel warm to the touch.

- Swelling and redness in the affected area.

- Discharge of pus or blood, especially if the abscess has ruptured.

- Pain during bowel movements or when sitting.

- Fever in some cases, indicating a more systemic infection.

Treatment Options
The initial treatment for an anal abscess often involves antibiotics to combat the infection and topical medications to reduce inflammation. However, as you have experienced, while antibiotics can help reduce the infection, they may not be sufficient to fully resolve the abscess.
In many cases, surgical intervention is necessary to achieve complete healing. The standard procedure for an anal abscess is incision and drainage (I&D). This involves:
1. Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision in the abscess to allow the pus to drain out.

2. Drainage: The area is cleaned, and sometimes a small drain is placed to ensure that any remaining pus can escape and the area can heal properly.

3. Post-operative care: Patients are usually advised on how to care for the wound, including keeping the area clean and possibly using sitz baths to promote healing.

Surgical Considerations
If your abscess has not healed and continues to drain pus, it is crucial to consult a surgeon or a specialist in colorectal surgery. They can assess the situation more thoroughly, possibly through imaging studies like an ultrasound or MRI, to determine if there are any underlying issues, such as a fistula (an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin) that may need to be addressed surgically.

Recovery and Prognosis
Post-surgery, most patients experience significant relief from pain and symptoms. The healing process can take a few weeks, and it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions regarding wound care and follow-up appointments. If a fistula is present, additional procedures may be required to close it, which can complicate recovery.

Conclusion
In summary, based on your symptoms and the history of your condition, it is likely that you are dealing with an anal abscess. While antibiotics and topical treatments can help, surgical drainage is often necessary for complete resolution. It is advisable to seek a consultation with a colorectal surgeon who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the best treatment options tailored to your situation. Early intervention can prevent complications and promote faster healing.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Anal Abscess: Treatment Options and Surgical Necessity

Hello Doctor: Recently, I developed an abscess near the anus due to diarrhea, and there is a small hard lump in that area. After visiting a clinic and taking antibiotics and applying ointment for several days, the pain has eased and I am gradually feeling less discomfort. However...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
A simple anal abscess can indeed be resolved in an outpatient setting with an incision that takes less than five minutes. However, not every type of abscess can be treated this way, especially when the abscess has progressed to an anal fistula, which requires hospitalization and ...

Understanding Anal Cysts: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgical Options

Hello, sir. I have a cyst at my anal area that started to drain pus and is painful since yesterday afternoon. I visited Shin Kong Hospital this morning, and the doctor said I need surgery. Since I am returning to Hualien tomorrow, I would like to ask for some advice. Thank you.

Dr. Lin Kecheng reply Surgery
Based on what you said, this is a perianal abscess. If not properly managed (through incision and drainage surgery along with antibiotic treatment), it can easily lead to complications such as anal fistula or recurrent infections. Surgery is a necessary intervention. If you retur...

Understanding Anal Fistulas: Treatment Options Beyond Surgery

I have a lump near my anus that resembles a pea and often itches; it becomes painful after sitting for a long time. The doctor examined me and informed me that it is an abscess causing a fistula. I would like to know if surgery is absolutely necessary, or if it can be treated wit...

Dr. Wang Qichao reply Surgery
The characteristics of anal fistulas and abscesses include recurrent pain and swelling around the anus or purulent discharge. In severe cases, symptoms may be accompanied by fever and chills. The cause is usually due to inflammation of the anal glands, and if not addressed, the s...

Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Anal Abscess and Symptoms

Hello, doctor. I underwent extensive drainage surgery for an anal abscess on August 13 of last year, which involved the entire left side of my buttocks. I continued to have follow-up appointments until November 19, when the surgeon said everything was fine, and I did not return f...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
1. Is the discharge coming from the anus, an abscess, or the original surgical site? Each of these locations represents different implications, such as a skin infection or a possible anal fistula. 2. Has this been the case all along? Did it start after the surgery, or is it rel...