What will happen if a perianal abscess is not treated?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Perianal abscesses are localized abscess formations that occur due to repeated infections in the anal crypts. Typically, under perianal ultrasonography, clear pus chambers and related structures can be observed. If perianal abscesses are not treated promptly, there is a high likelihood of expansion of the local pus chambers and dispersion of the pus, leading to an increase in the size of local anal abscesses, which might involve the sacrococcygeal area or the intersphincteric space. The primary treatment for perianal abscesses is surgical, mainly through incision and drainage to evacuate the pus, followed by thorough debridement of the local wound. Additionally, if there are changes in the local sphincter, thread-lifting therapy may also be performed.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What is causing the stabbing pain in the wound half a year after perianal abscess surgery?

Six months after surgery for a perianal abscess, if there is local pain at the wound site, it is first necessary to rule out the presence of local infection and recurrence. To differentiate between infection and recurrence, it is necessary to conduct a digital rectal examination and a perianal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. If infection and recurrence are ruled out, consider the possibility that the pain may be due to contraction and softening of the scar tissue at the site of the perianal abscess surgery, leading to painful stinging at the wound. Local application of anti-inflammatory ointments or gels can be used to treat the inflammation. If the pain or discomfort is severe, Chinese herbal washes or dilute salt water can be used for fumigation and hot compresses on the local scar.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Early symptoms of perianal abscess

When perianal abscesses occur, there are usually significant triggers, most commonly seen after acute diarrhea or when a patient's immunity has recently declined. In the early stages of a perianal abscess, there are sudden symptoms of localized swelling and pain around the anus, accompanied by a sensation of heaviness. As the local abscess cavity enlarges and the infection worsens, the patient may also experience general weakness, fever, and even a decrease in appetite. During the acute phase of a perianal abscess, due to severe local pain, patients are unable to carry on with normal life activities, including sitting and walking. The pain may further involve pelvic muscles and nerves, leading to difficulties with defecation and urinary retention.

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Colorectal Surgery
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Does a perianal abscess require hospitalization?

Perianal abscess is a common acute onset disease in proctology. If surgery is performed for a perianal abscess, it is recommended that the patient be hospitalized. Hospitalization observation is mainly for the local wound, to prevent recurrence and infection, and to ensure early proper wound dressing and drainage work, laying a good foundation for granulation growth post-surgery. The general hospitalization duration is about one week to ten days. In some cases, where the symptoms are severe or the abscess cavity is large, the hospital stay may extend to 20 days. During hospitalization, it is necessary for a professional proctologist to disinfect and change dressings of the local wound, and it is important to wash with saline water after each bowel movement.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Perianal abscess clinical manifestations

Perianal abscess is an acute infectious disease of the local skin, mucosa, and sphincter around the anus, characterized by certain acute clinical symptoms, most commonly pain. The onset of a perianal abscess is generally sudden, occurring within one to three days. Due to the formation of a local pus cavity, intense pain is experienced along with the red, swollen, and hot skin in the affected area. The nature of the pain is often throbbing or pecking. If the infection worsens or is not actively treated, it may also cause systemic symptoms such as fever and chills due to the pain and infection. With repeated attacks over a long term, or if the patient's physical condition is poor, further symptoms like fatigue might occur. Acute episodes of perianal abscess require prompt surgical intervention.

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Colorectal Surgery Department
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How to treat perianal abscess?

Perianal abscesses generally have two treatment options. Initially, if the abscess is not very large and the swelling and pain are not particularly severe, conservative treatment with antibiotics can be used temporarily. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the swelling worsens, surgical treatment may be necessary. In cases of severe abscesses, incision and drainage can be considered first, followed by antibiotic treatment. Surgical definitive treatment can then be performed 3-5 days later.