Anal Abscess Treatment in Rochester, NY
A patient who feels ill and complains of chills, fever, and pain in the rectum or anus could be suffering from an anal abscess or fistula. These medical terms describe common ailments that many people know little about. If you are looking for more information on anal abscesses’ and would like to speak with a professional, contact Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons today. To schedule your anal abscess treatment with our colorectal surgeons, please call (585) 222-6566 to schedule a visit at our colorectal surgery center in Rochester, NY.
What is an Anal Abscess?
An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum.
What is an Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula, almost always the result of a previous abscess, is a small tunnel connecting the anal gland from which the abscess arose to the skin of the buttocks outside the anus.
What Causes an Abscess?
An abscess results from acute infection of a small gland just inside the anus, when bacteria or foreign matter enters the tissue through the gland. Certain conditions (colitis or other inflammation of the intestine for example) can sometimes make these infections more likely.
What Causes a Fistula?
After an abscess has been drained, a tunnel may persist connecting the anal gland from which the abscess arose to the skin. If this occurs, persistent drainage from the outside opening may indicate the persistence of this tunnel. If the outside opening of the tunnel heals, recurrent abscess may develop.
What Are The Symptoms of an Abscess or Fistula?
Symptoms of both ailments include constant pain, sometimes accompanied by swelling, that is not necessarily related to bowel movements. Other symptoms include irritation of skin around the anus, drainage of pus (which often relieves the pain), fever, and feeling poorly in general.
Does an Abscess Always Become a Fistula?
No. A fistula develops in about 50 percent of all abscess cases, and there is really no way to predict if this will occur.
How is an Abscess Treated?
An abscess is treated by draining the pus from the infected cavity, making an opening in the skin near the anus to relieve the pressure. Often, this can be done in the doctor’s office using a local anesthetic. A large or deep abscess may require hospitalization and use of a different anesthetic method. Hospitalizations may also be necessary for patients prone to more serious infections, such as diabetics or people with decreased immunity. Antibiotics are not usually an alternative to draining the pus, because antibiotics are carried by the blood stream and do not penetrate the fluid within an abscess.
What About Treatment For a Fistula?
Surgery is necessary to cure an anal fistula. Although fistula surgery is usually relatively straightforward, the potential for complications exists, and is preferably performed by a specialist in colon and rectal surgery. It may be performed at the same time as the abscess surgery, although fistulae often develop four to six weeks after an abscess is drained – sometimes even months or years later. Fistula surgery usually involves cutting a small portion of the anal sphincter muscle to open the tunnel, joining the external and internal opening and converting the tunnel into a groove that will then heal from within outward. Most of the time, fistula surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, or with a short hospital stay.
How Long Does it Take Before Patients Feel Better?
Discomfort after fistula surgery can be mild to moderate for the first week and can be controlled with pain pills. The amount of time lost from work or school is usually minimal.
Treatment of an abscess or fistula is followed by a period of time at home, when soaking the affected area in warm water (sitz bath) is recommended three to four times a day. Stool softeners may also be recommended. It may be necessary to wear a gauze pad or mini-pad to prevent the drainage from soiling clothes. Bowel movements will not affect healing.
What Are The Chances of a Recurrence of an Abscess or Fistula?
If properly healed, the problem will usually not return. However, it is important to follow the directions of a colon and rectal surgeon to prevent recurrence.
What is a Colorectal Surgeon?
Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of colon and rectal problems. They have completed advanced training in the treatment of colon and rectal problems in addition to full training in general surgery. Colon and rectal surgeons treat benign and malignant conditions, perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat problems when necessary.
Schedule a Consultation for Anal Abscess Treatment in Rochester, NY
If you are experiencing symptoms of an anal abscess and would like to talk to a colorectal surgeon, contact Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons for more information about anal abscess and fistula treatment. To schedule a consultation at our colorectal surgery center in Rochester, NY, please call (585) 222-6566 today.
The executive office of the 2,600 member American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is located in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights.
Board-certified colon and rectal surgeons complete a residency in general surgery, plus an additional year in colon and rectal surgery, and pass an intensive examination conducted by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.