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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Anorectal abscess

Rectum
Rectum
Alternative Names

Anal abscess; Rectal abscess; Abscess - anorectal


Treatment

Treatment involves draining the abscess. If the abscess is very deep, you may need surgery to have this done.

Warm sitz baths (sitting in a tub of warm water) may help relieve pain and swelling, and may help make the abscess easier to drain.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

With prompt treatment, a patient usually does well. Infants and toddlers usually recover very quickly.


Complications
  • Systemic infection
  • Anal fistula formation
  • Recurrence
  • Scarring

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you notice a rectal discharge, symptoms of an anorectal abscess develop. You should also call if you have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition.



Review Date: 07/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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