Will surgery still be performed if a perianal abscess has ruptured?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on May 05, 2025
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After a perianal abscess ruptures on its own, a fistula-in-ano has formed, which cannot be completely cured by conservative medication. The main treatment method is still surgery, so further surgical treatment is required after the rupture of the perianal abscess. The surgical approach for a perianal abscess or fistula mainly involves an incision and seton technique, preserving the function of the local sphincter as much as possible while thoroughly removing the infection foci to allow the growth of fresh granulation tissue. Post-operation care requires attention to dressing changes, especially during the early stages of the wound when there may be secretions. It is crucial to thoroughly remove these secretions and apply appropriate hemorrhoids ointment or growth-promoting agents to facilitate the healing and growth of the local mucosa.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can a perianal abscess burst on its own after it forms pus?

After an anal abscess becomes purulent, one should not attempt to rupture it on their own. If purulence occurs, it is advised to perform local disinfection under a doctor's supervision, followed by incision and drainage or pus aspiration to prevent further infection. Attempting to rupture it on your own can easily lead to further aggravation of the local infection. After an anal abscess becomes purulent, the choice of incision location is crucial; once cut, it is necessary to maintain unobstructed drainage to avoid subsequent infection or even necrotizing fasciitis. In clinical practice regarding anal abscesses, it is advised to visit a colorectal surgery department at a hospital as soon as the abscess is detected, to undergo procedures such as incision and drainage or radical surgery of the anal abscess to avoid the later development of anal fistulas or necrotizing fasciitis. Post-surgery, medications such as red oil gauze strips, anal cleansing solutions, and aureomycin ointment are recommended for dressing changes.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do if the perianal abscess bursts?

Since a perianal abscess is an acute symptom of a local skin infection around the anus, during the acute phase of a perianal abscess, an abscess cavity and pus formation generally occur within about a week. As the disease worsens and progresses, the perianal abscess will rupture about a week later. If the perianal abscess ruptures, it may have already formed an anal fistula. A perianal abscess and an anal fistula represent two different stages of the disease, and both require surgical treatment. The main surgical treatment for anal fistulas is fistulotomy with seton placement, and care must be taken to drain and disinfect the local wound post-surgery to prevent pseudohealing of the wound.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Is the recurrence rate of perianal abscess high?

Perianal abscess is an acute infectious disease localized around the anus. If a perianal abscess acutely erupts, it requires prompt surgical treatment. Without surgery, there is a possibility of recurrent episodes of perianal abscesses or the formation of anal fistulas due to the rupture of the abscess. After surgery for a perianal abscess, it is also important to pay attention to a light diet and regular bowel movements. It is crucial not to allow the stool to become too dry, nor to experience diarrhea. Recurrent diarrhea can lead to infection of the anal crypts, thereby causing perianal abscesses and local infections. Therefore, the care of a perianal abscess is very important; maintaining good dietary and bowel habits is essential to prevent recurrence of the abscess.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can you eat fish with a perianal abscess?

Patients with perianal abscesses should avoid eating seafood or consuming excessive amounts of seafood products. Because fish and seafood are considered to provoke symptoms in traditional beliefs, their overconsumption can lead to congestion and swelling of the local mucosa. Along with an acute infection of a perianal abscess, food may exacerbate the infection. Therefore, the diet of patients with a perianal abscess should primarily be bland. Additionally, once a perianal abscess is detected, it is necessary to perform an incision and drainage procedure for the abscess promptly, as well as a one-time debridement and radical surgery to prevent the further expansion of the abscess cavity or recurrent infection leading to the formation of anal fistulas.

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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.