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Anorectal abscess

Anal abscess; Rectal abscess; Perirectal abscess; Perianal abscess; Gland abscess; Abscess - anorectal

 

An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.

Causes

 

Common causes of anorectal abscess include:

  • Blocked glands in the anal area
  • Infection of an anal fissure
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STD)
  • Trauma

Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as Crohn disease or diverticulitis .

The following factors increase the risk for an anorectal abscess:

  • Anal sex
  • Chemotherapy medicines used to treat cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis )
  • Use of corticosteroid medicines
  • Weakened immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS )

The condition affects men more than women. The condition may occur in infants and toddlers who are still in diapers and who have a history of anal fissures.

 

Symptoms

 

Common symptoms are swelling around the anus and a constant, throbbing pain with swelling. Pain may be severe with bowel movements, coughing and sitting.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Constipation
  • Discharge of pus from the rectum
  • Fatigue, fever , night sweats, and chills
  • Redness, painful and hardened tissue in the area of the anus
  • Tenderness

In infants, the abscess often appears as a swollen, red, tender lump at the edge of the anus. The infant may be fussy and irritable from discomfort. There are usually no other symptoms.

 

Exams and Tests

 

A rectal examination may confirm an anorectal abscess. A proctosigmoidoscopy may be done to rule out other diseases.

In rare cases, a CT scan , MRI , or ultrasound is needed to locate the collection of pus.

 

Treatment

 

The problem rarely goes away on its own. Antibiotics alone usually cannot treat an abscess.

Treatment involves surgery to open and drain the abscess.

  • Surgery is done using local numbing medicine, along with medicine to make you sleepy . Spinal or general anesthesia may be used.
  • Surgery is most often an outpatient procedure, which means that you go home on the same day. The surgeon cuts open the abscess and drains the pus.
  • If the pus collection is deep, you may need to stay in the hospital until the abscess has completely drained.
  • After surgery, you need warm sitz baths (sitting in a tub of warm water). This helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and make the abscess easier to drain.

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

The surgeon may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics.

You may need stool softeners. Practice good hygiene. Eat soft or liquid foods until the abscess has healed.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

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

Complications can occur when treatment is delayed.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of anorectal abscess may include:

  • Anal fistula (abnormal connection between the anus and another structure)
  • Infection that spreads to the blood ( sepsis )
  • Continuing pain
  • Problem keeps coming back (recurrence)
  • Scars

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you:

  • Notice rectal discharge, pain, or other symptoms of anorectal abscess
  • Have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition
  • Are a diabetic and your blood glucose becomes difficult to control

 

Prevention

 

Prevention or prompt treatment of STDs may prevent an anorectal abscess from forming. Use condoms during intercourse, including anal sex, to prevent such infections.

In infants and toddlers, frequent diaper changes and proper cleaning during diaper changes can help prevent both anal fissures and abscesses.

 

 

Open References

References

Blumetti J, Cintron JR. Anorectal abscess and fistula. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:265-274.

Coates WC. Disorders of the anorectum. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 96.

Merchea A, Larson DW. Anus. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 52.

 
  • Rectum

    Rectum - illustration

    The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine. It empties stool from the body through the anus.

    Rectum

    illustration

    • Rectum

      Rectum - illustration

      The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine. It empties stool from the body through the anus.

      Rectum

      illustration

    Self Care

     

      Tests for Anorectal abscess

       
       

      Review Date: 5/24/2016

      Reviewed By: Mary C. Mancini, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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