Anal abscess; Rectal abscess; Perirectal abscess; Perianal abscess; anal gland abscess; Abscess - anorectal

The problem rarely goes away on its own. Treatment involves surgery to open and drain the abscess.

• Surgery is done using local numbing medicine, along with medicine to make you sleepy or spinal anesthesia. Surgery is an outpatient procedure. You will go home the same day.
• After surgery, you will need warm sitz baths (sitting in a tub of warm water). This may help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and may help make the abscess easier to drain.

Drained abscesses are usually left open and there are no stitches.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics.

You may need stool softeners. Practice good hygiene and eat a soft or liquid diet until the abscess has healed.

With prompt treatment, people with this condition usually do well. Infants and toddlers usually recover very quickly.

Complications tend to occur when treatment is delayed.

• Anal fistula
• Body-wide infection (sepsis)
• Continuing pain
• Problem keeps coming back (recurrence)
• Scars

Call your health care provider if:

• You notice a rectal discharge, pain, or other symptoms of anorectal abscess
• You have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition

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Rectum

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Review Date: 09/10/2010
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)