Will people with perianal abscess experience weight loss?

Written by Deng Heng

Colorectal Surgery

Updated on December 12, 2024

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Generally, perianal abscesses do not cause weight loss. Typically, perianal abscesses are caused by common bacteria infecting the spaces around the anus and rectum, leading to an acute purulent infection. When an abscess forms, it can cause sudden swelling and pain in the perianal area, with episodic increases in pain. However, if the abscess is caused by tuberculosis bacteria, it can lead to a chronic condition and systemic wasting diseases, which may present symptoms such as night sweats, feverish feelings, etc. Chronic diseases can cause weight loss.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 17sec

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Causes of perianal abscess formation in babies

In pediatric outpatient surgery, perianal abscesses are not uncommon, and many parents visit the hospital daily for this issue. They wait, register, and change dressings. Once the wound heals, it often recurs after a while, leading to repeated incisions and drainage, persisting for several months. Eventually, the doctors say a fistula has formed and surgery is required. What exactly causes such troublesome perianal abscesses? The cause of perianal abscesses is not completely clear, but many affected children have been found to have deeper anal crypts than normal, so it's speculated that it may be related to this abnormality. In children under two years old, perianal abscesses mostly occur in boys. Some studies suggest that testosterone levels are higher in boys aged 1-3 months, coinciding with a peak period for perianal abscess incidences, leading to speculation that it may be related to the child’s hormone levels. In children over two years old, there is less gender bias in the incidence of perianal abscesses, and some cases are secondary to Crohn’s disease.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

48sec

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The difference between perianal abscess and hemorrhoids

Perianal abscess and hemorrhoids are two different types of common anorectal diseases. When a perianal abscess occurs, the onset is generally sudden and there is severe pain in the anal area. Under the skin of the anal area or inside the anal canal, a submucosal abscess forms, encapsulating pus. Surgical treatment is required as soon as possible to prevent further spread of the abscess cavity. Hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are caused by the long-term and repeated accumulation of local tissues in the anal area, leading to the formation of blood clots or varicose vein masses. These generally occur near or around the dentate line, and may also be accompanied by skin tags of external hemorrhoids.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao

Colorectal Surgery

1min 7sec

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What are the early symptoms of perianal abscess?

The early symptoms of a perianal abscess mainly manifest as a red and swollen lump around the anus, which is noticeably painful to touch, and feels warm. As the lump grows and purulence develops, a fluctuation sensation can be felt upon touching. In severe cases, patients may even experience systemic symptoms such as fever and night sweats. For a perianal abscess, it is recommended that patients visit the proctology department of a hospital as soon as possible to undergo procedures like incision and drainage of the abscess, or a radical surgery for perianal abscess. Relying solely on medication can delay treatment and cause the abscess to spread further, potentially leading to necrotizing fasciitis or anal fistula. A perianal abscess is typically caused by an infection of the anal glands, which spreads from inside the anal canal to the surrounding areas. Simple medication treatment cannot eradicate the infection source; therefore, it is advisable to opt for surgical treatment as soon as a perianal abscess is detected.

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Written by Xiao Zhi Guo

Colorectal Surgery Department

34sec

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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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

50sec

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Can an anal abscess be left untreated without surgery?

Surgical treatment is required during the acute phase of a perianal abscess. If surgery is not performed, it could lead to an expansion of the abscess cavity or worsening of the infection. Severe cases may lead to a local cellulitis around the anus, forming an inflammation of the cellular tissue. The surgical approach for a perianal abscess primarily involves incision and drainage, complemented by a one-time radical cure. The surgical principle mainly involves excising the infected local lesions altogether, thoroughly disinfecting and dressing the area, accelerating the shedding of the local infection, and ensuring normal growth of granulation tissue. Postoperative dressing changes are also crucial for the recovery from a perianal abscess.