Post-Surgery Complications: Pus Formation Near the Anus - Surgery

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Using a cotton swab to squeeze pus from the area around the anus?


Hello Doctor, I underwent fistula surgery at the end of last month.
On the 17th, I noticed a small white bump resembling an abscess at the original anal wound site, which later ruptured on its own.
I consulted the original surgeon, who believed it was due to poor wound healing.
However, in the past few days at home, I have been pressing around the wound with a cotton swab and have been able to express white fluid from the wound (photo link: https://ppt.cc/fvcv7x), pressing in the area shown in this photo (photo link: https://ppt.cc/fhxoyx).
I would like to ask: 1.
Is it possible that the tissue inside my buttocks has not healed properly and has formed an abscess underneath, or could the surgeon have missed another abscess during the operation? Is it common for such a possibility to occur? 2.
In this situation, is surgical treatment the only option, or can antibiotics help improve the condition? 3.
If I do not undergo surgery now, will I just have to wait for it to develop into a fistula before having surgery?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/22

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery


1.
If the location of the pus is at the original surgical site, it is more likely to be a reinfection of the surgical wound, and antibiotic treatment is recommended.

2.
If oral antibiotic treatment is ineffective, a repeat surgical intervention may indeed be necessary.

3.
Generally, it is not common to undergo another surgery in such a short time frame; it is advisable to first use antibiotics for a period and then observe the situation.

Reply Date: 2021/05/22

More Info


After undergoing a fistula surgery, it's not uncommon to experience complications such as pus formation near the surgical site. Let's address your concerns systematically.

1. Formation of Abscess or Pus: The presence of a white lump that resembles an abscess at the surgical site could indicate that the healing process is not proceeding as expected. It's possible that the tissue beneath the skin has not healed properly, leading to the accumulation of pus. In some cases, if the initial surgery did not adequately address all infected or inflamed tissue, residual infection can lead to the formation of an abscess. While it is not uncommon for some abscesses to be missed during surgery, it is generally the surgeon's responsibility to ensure that all infected areas are addressed. If you suspect that there is still an undetected abscess, it is crucial to follow up with your surgeon for a thorough evaluation.

2. Treatment Options: If pus is being expressed from the wound, this suggests an ongoing infection. While antibiotics can help manage the infection, they may not be sufficient if there is a significant abscess present. Surgical intervention is often required to drain the abscess and remove any necrotic tissue. If the abscess is deep or not easily accessible, imaging studies such as an ultrasound or MRI may be necessary to assess its extent and guide treatment. In some cases, antibiotics alone may not resolve the issue, especially if there is a significant collection of pus that needs to be drained.

3. Delay in Treatment: If you choose not to undergo surgery at this time, there is a risk that the condition could worsen, potentially leading to the development of a fistula. Fistulas can form when an abscess does not heal properly and creates a channel between the infected area and another structure, such as the skin or another organ. This can lead to more complex surgical issues down the line. Therefore, it is generally advisable to address the problem sooner rather than later to prevent further complications.

In summary, the presence of pus and ongoing symptoms after your surgery indicates that you should seek further medical evaluation. Your surgeon can provide the best guidance based on a physical examination and any necessary imaging. Early intervention can prevent complications and promote better healing outcomes. Always prioritize follow-up appointments and communicate any changes in your condition to your healthcare provider.

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