Perianal abscess surgery
An abscess is a painful, swollen area with pus inside. Pus is a yellow or green liquid made by infected tissue.
A perianal abscess is an abscess near the opening of your bottom (anus). The symptoms of a perianal abscess are:
- pain
- irritation around your bottom (anus)
- swelling
- a pus discharge (a yellow or green liquid coming out of the area)
- a high temperature (fever)
- feeling generally unwell
Often, a small gland just inside the bottom (anus) becomes infected and you get an abscess.
What are the symptoms of a perianal abscess?
The most common symptom of a perianal abscess is a swollen and tender boil (similar to a large pimple) near the edge of your anus. It may be red, extremely painful or constantly throbbing. Sitting down, coughing and pooping may make it hurt worse.
Other signs and symptoms of an anal abscess include:
- Pus-like discharge from the anus.
- Pain in your anus or rectum.
- Lump or nodule that’s red, swollen and painful.
- Constipation or painful bowel movements.
- Irritation of the tissue around your anus.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Pain in the lower part of your abdomen.
Abscesses can also cause fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms.
Surgery to treat a perianal abscess
You will be reviewed by the surgical team and assessed by an anaesthetist before surgery. They will discuss your general health and any risks that may be involved. Please ask any questions if you are uncertain about anything.
The surgery does not take long and is often performed as a day case. This means that you can come to hospital, have your operation and leave on the same day.
You usually have a general anaesthetic in an operating theatre. This is a medicine that makes you sleep and stops you feeling pain during the procedure.
Your surgeon will examine where the abscess is, drain the pus and clean the area.
Other treatment options
Surgery is often the only way to treat an abscess and remove all the infected tissue.
Sometimes, an abscess can drain by itself without treatment, or be very small and not need any surgery. Your surgeon talks to you about your treatment options.