What are Anal Abscesses?
An anal abscess is an infected, pus-filled cavity near the anus or rectum. There are several types of abscesses depending on where they form in relation to the rectum and anus:
- Supralevator abscess
- Ischiorectal abscess
- Intersphincteric abscess
- Perianal abscess (subcutaneous abscess)
A patient with an abscess may have pain, redness, or swelling around the anus or anal canal. Other common symptoms include feeling sick or tired, fever, and chills.
Patients with fistulas have similar symptoms, as well as drainage from a hole near the anus. A fistula is suspected if these symptoms recur in the same area repeatedly.
What treatment do we offer?
Minimally invasive treatment and laser surgery
An abscess can be surgically drained through a simple procedure. An incision is made in the skin near the anus to drain the infection. This can be done in your surgeon’s office under local anesthesia or in an operating room under general anesthesia. Some patients with more severe disease may require several surgeries to resolve the problem.
