Anorectal Abscess
An anorectal abscess is a pus-filled cavity caused by bacteria invading a mucus-secreting gland in the anus and rectum.
An abscess may be deep in the rectum or close to the opening of the anus. An abscess develops when bacteria invade a mucus-secreting gland in the anus or rectum, where they multiply. Although the anus is an area that is rich in bacteria, infection generally does not occur because the internal sphincter acts as a barrier and blood flow to the area is rich. When infection does occur, it usually is caused by a combination of different types of bacteria. An abscess can cause substantial damage to nearby tissues and may lead to incontinence of stool.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Abscesses just under the skin can be swollen, red, tender, and very painful. Abscesses higher in the rectum often cause fewer symptoms but may produce fever and pain in the lower abdomen. A doctor can usually see an abscess if it is in the skin around the anus. When no external swelling or redness is seen, however, a doctor can make the diagnosis by examining the rectum with a gloved finger. A tender swelling in the rectum indicates an abscess.
Treatment
Antibiotics have limited value except for people who have a fever, diabetes, or an infection elsewhere in the body. Usually, treatment consists of cutting into the abscess and draining the pus after a local anesthetic has been given. Occasionally, a person is hospitalized and undergoes general anesthesia before a doctor cuts and drains an abscess. Even with proper treatment, in about two thirds of people, an abscess leads to the formation of an abnormal channel from the anus or rectum to the skin (anorectal fistula).
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