Anal Abscess Recovery: Pain, Swelling, and Healing Concerns

Anal abscess

I would like to ask about my visit to the outpatient clinic on Wednesday, February 12th.
I had swelling and pain in my anal area, and the doctor diagnosed it as an "anal abscess." At that time, they performed drainage to expel the pus, using a needle rather than making an incision.
I was prescribed two types of medication.
However, starting the next day, I began experiencing intermittent pain, occurring 1 to 2 times a day.
By the fourth day, I started to feel a sense of swelling.
Is this normal during the healing process, or could there be a possibility of re-accumulation of pus inside? The wound appears as a raised mound of tissue, with no discharge, but is it possible that it wasn't completely drained and has formed pus again inside?

Xiao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/16

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

An anal abscess is generally treated by incision rather than aspiration with a needle, as creating a slightly larger opening is more beneficial for future drainage of pus.
Otherwise, a small puncture may heal too quickly, potentially leading to incomplete drainage of the abscess.
If there is no significant swelling, it can also help determine whether the abscess has recurred.
It is recommended that you continue antibiotic treatment, and if symptoms persist or worsen, please consult a physician for further evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2020/02/16

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a challenging recovery process following your anal abscess drainage. Let's break down your concerns regarding pain, swelling, and healing.

First, it’s important to understand that after an anal abscess is drained, some discomfort and pain are expected. The procedure you underwent, where the abscess was drained using a needle rather than a surgical incision, is often less invasive but can still lead to residual pain as the area heals. Pain that occurs intermittently, especially in the first few days post-procedure, can be a normal part of the healing process. However, if the pain is severe or worsening, it could indicate complications.

Regarding the swelling you mentioned starting on the fourth day, some degree of swelling can also be normal as your body responds to the trauma of the procedure. The body sends fluids and immune cells to the area to aid in healing, which can cause swelling. However, if the swelling is significant or accompanied by increased redness, warmth, or discharge, it may suggest that the abscess has not been completely drained or that a new infection is developing.

The presence of a "凸凸的肉丘" (a raised area of tissue) at the site of the drainage could be a normal part of the healing process, known as granulation tissue, which forms as the body repairs itself. However, if this area is painful, continues to grow, or shows signs of infection (such as pus or increased redness), it would be prudent to seek further medical evaluation.

In terms of your medications, make sure you are following your doctor's instructions regarding antibiotics and pain management. If you were prescribed antibiotics, it’s crucial to complete the full course even if you start feeling better. If you have concerns about the effectiveness of your treatment or if your symptoms worsen, you should contact your healthcare provider. They may want to evaluate the site again, possibly with imaging or a physical examination, to ensure that there is no residual infection or other complications.

In summary, while some pain and swelling can be normal after drainage of an anal abscess, you should be vigilant for signs of infection or complications. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further assessment. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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