Abscesses

What Causes an Anorectal Abscess?
An anorectal abscess occurs when bacteria become trapped in the anal canal, causing an infection and a buildup of pus. Risk factors include inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), sexually transmitted infections, diabetes, chemotherapy, steroid medications, and anal trauma.

Types of Abscesses

• Perianal Abscess: Forms near the opening of the anus and is often visible or easy to feel.
• Perirectal Abscess: Develops deeper inside the surrounding tissues and may not be visible externally.

Symptoms
Common symptoms include:

• Persistent or throbbing anal pain, often worse when sitting
• Swelling, redness, or a painful lump
• Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
• Drainage of pus or blood

Without treatment, abscesses can lead to complications such as an anal fistula or serious infection, so prompt care is important.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Your general practitioner can often diagnose an abscess with a physical exam, though imaging may be needed for deeper infections. From there, you will be referred to us for treatment. Treatment typically involves draining the abscess, either in the office or the operating room. Antibiotics may be prescribed for patients with certain medical conditions.