How to eliminate a perianal abscess mass?

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on February 11, 2025
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Perianal abscess nodules are primarily caused by inflammatory infections that lead to local fibrosis, which then forms the nodules. For these nodules, it is recommended to employ a one-time radical cure surgery for perianal abscesses, mainly to remove the internal opening and the inflamed infected tissues. Since a perianal abscess can form a fistula after bursting on its own, failing to completely remove the infected tissue may lead to the development of anal fistulas later. Therefore, clinically, for perianal abscess nodules, it is advised to treat them with a one-time radical cure surgery for perianal abscesses. Post-surgery, medications such as anal washes and red oil ointment gauze strips are chosen for dressing changes. As for early-stage perianal abscess nodules, these are mainly inflammatory infections causing red and swollen lumps, which gradually turn into purulent and liquefied masses. Once suppuration occurs, they can be opened and drained, thereby causing the nodules to disappear. The nodules formed after incision and drainage are mainly considered to be from inflammatory spread to fibrotic tissue, and thus, surgical removal is required in these cases.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Does a second surgery for a perianal abscess hurt?

When it comes to a second surgery for a perianal abscess, it is generally recommended to proceed directly with spinal anesthesia. Simple local anesthesia might be more painful for the patient, as spinal anesthesia does not cause pain sensations. If there is pain after the surgery, one can opt for oral painkillers or a combination of pain relief pump treatments. Alternatively, pain relief gel can be applied to the wound to alleviate pain before each dressing change. Therefore, after the onset of a perianal abscess, whether it is the first or second surgery, it is essential to operate as soon as possible, and to disinfect and change dressings postoperatively to prevent pseudo-healing or secondary recurrent infections. To relieve pain, painkillers can be chosen. Before or after each bowel movement, one may use clean water for local cleansing to soothe the sphincter and prevent fecal residue.

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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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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should not be eaten with a perianal abscess?

During the acute phase of a perianal abscess, it is not advised to consume overly spicy and stimulating foods, drink alcohol, or eat much lamb, seafood, and other aggravating items. This is because a perianal abscess is a local infectious disease around the anus. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo surgery as soon as possible during an outbreak to prevent the spread of the abscess and increase the difficulty of treatment later. The surgical methods mainly include incision and drainage and one-time radical surgery. However, when there is a local fistula or changes in the sphincter, a fistulotomy with seton placement can also be chosen. Post-surgery, it is crucial to pay attention to the local wound drainage and dressing changes, which are very important for wound healing. It is essential to ensure proper drainage and thorough dressing changes to avoid pseudohealing or recurrent infection of the wound.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How to deal with a ruptured perianal abscess?

Perianal abscesses that recur or occur acutely may locally form an abscess or pus pocket. If the abscess or pus ruptures, secretions will flow out of the abscess cavity around the anus, further leading to the formation of an anal fistula. After the perianal abscess ruptures, it is necessary to promptly perform local debridement, mainly to thoroughly remove the pus from the abscess cavity and to further disinfect the area. After a typical anal fistula forms, surgical treatment involving a fistulotomy with seton placement is required. The principle of the surgery is to completely remove the local infection while preserving the function of the anal sphincter muscles. Subsequent dressing changes and application of ointments or growth factor gels are necessary to promote normal growth of the granulation tissue.

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Colorectal Surgery
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How many days of antibiotic injections are needed to treat a perianal abscess?

During the acute phase of a perianal abscess, the main focus is on the nature of the local abscess. If it is a hard swelling without pus formation, anti-inflammatory injections or antibiotics can be used for symptomatic treatment. Generally, a five to seven-day course of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment can reduce the local swelling, but it cannot guarantee a 100% chance of non-recurrence in the future. If a local pus cavity or swelling has already formed, and there is pus formation, simply using anti-inflammatory injections for symptomatic treatment will not be curative. Surgery is also required, mainly involving opening the local pus cavity, cleaning out the pus thoroughly, and removing local infection foci to promote normal growth of fresh granulation tissue, which could then lead to the healing of the local wound.