Anal Abscess

Patient Information

What is an anal abscess?
An anal abscess is a collection of pus that develops in the tissues around the anus.

Causes

This happens when bacteria become lodged into the anal glands, which are small glands normally present between the inner and outer layers of the anal sphincter muscle. These bacteria then form an infection and subsequently, an infected anal gland develops. This may extend to various areas around the anal canal to involve the anal sphincter muscle and surrounding structures. The abscess may enlarge and burst through the overlying skin or may be drained by surgical treatment.

Symptoms

A painful, swollen and red lump may form around the anus. Other symptoms include fever and sweating.

Surgical Treatment

Treatment involves an operation to drain the pus from the abscess. This is usually done under a general anaesthetic. The pus is drained from the abscess cavity by making an opening through the overlying skin. The wound site may be packed with an antimicrobial gauze which is removed a few hours after surgery or the following day. Regular packing of the wound may be required for a few days to few weeks, depending on the size of the abscess, and this would be done by a district community nurse or your GP. Occasionally, a small tube called a malecot catheter may be left in the wound to help drain the pus and is removed after a few weeks. Antibiotics may be used to control the spread of infection, but antibiotics alone will not cure an abscess. Drainage of pus is usually recommended.