Anal Abscess
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Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists
Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colon and Rectal Surgeon & A Private Medical Practice located in the Denver Metropolitan Area, CO
An untreated anal abscess can lead to long-lasting complications. At Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in the Denver metropolitan area, Colorado, experienced proctologist Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS, offers in-office evaluations to confirm an anal abscess quickly and accurately. Dr. Perryman customizes treatment options, including surgery, to best ease your pain and prevent your risk for future infections or other serious complications. Find out more about treatment options available for anal abscess by calling Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists or requesting an appointment online.
Anal Abscess Q & A
What is an anal abscess?
An anal abscess is a condition when a cavity in the anus develops an infection and fills with pus.
Often the abscess forms when an anal gland becomes blocked. You may also be at increased risk for anal abscesses due to underlying health issues like:
- Diabetes
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Persistent constipation or diarrhea
- Sexually transmitted disease
You may also be more likely to develop an anal abscess if you use steroids to treat another health condition or if you have anal sex.
What are the symptoms of an anal abscess?
One of the first signs you may have an anal abscess is a persistent, throbbing pain in your anus. You may also experience symptoms like:
- Constipation
- Rectal bleeding
- Anal discharge
- Fever
In some cases, you may feel a hard lump near the opening of your anus. Anal abscesses can also result in the development of an anal fistula, a tunnel that forms when fecal matter and bacteria travel under the skin.
If you have severe rectal pain, schedule a diagnostic consultation with Dr. Perryman without delay.
How is an anal abscess diagnosed?
To confirm that your pain and other symptoms are related to an anal abscess, Dr. Perryman reviews your medical history and physically examines the area around your anus. She can identify areas of inflammation and small openings in the skin that may indicate you have a fistula.
Dr. Perryman may also use a special instrument known as an anoscope to look inside the anal canal for signs of infection or an abscess, or order an ultrasound to get a closer look at your rectum.
What treatments are available for an anal abscess?
The initial treatment for an anal abscess is a procedure to drain the pus out of the infected cavity. This in-office procedure is fast and requires only a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
If you have an anal fistula as the result of an abscess, Dr. Perryman may recommend surgery to remove the tissue covering the tunnel so it can heal fully. Surgery may also be necessary if you have a large, deep abscess that needs a catheter to drain away the infected pus.
If you have persistent anal pain, schedule a diagnostic evaluation for an anal abscess at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists without delay.
