Can a perianal abscess that is draining pus heal by itself?

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on November 10, 2024
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Perianal abscesses cannot heal on their own after they spontaneously rupture and discharge pus, which can lead to the development of anal fistulas. This is mainly due to infection of the anal glands that initially causes swelling and lumps around the anus. Once these rupture and release pus, they can form channels that develop into anal fistulas, causing repeated perianal swelling, pain, and the discharge of pus and blood. In this case, it is advised to visit the proctology department of a hospital as soon as possible for a perianal MRI scan to determine the location of the infection and the direction of the fistula tract, followed by determining the surgical method. After the rupture and discharge of a perianal abscess, a definitive one-time surgical procedure is required to treat the abscess to prevent the potential development of a fistula or a complex, high fistula, which could cause significant damage to the patient and increase the complexity of later surgeries.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can conservative treatment be effective for perianal abscesses?

Conservative treatment of perianal abscesses can only relieve temporary inflammatory symptoms and cannot achieve a curative effect. There is also the potential for conservative treatment to delay the condition, leading to an increase in the size of the abscess cavity or the rapid expansion of pus, thereby exacerbating the condition. Once a perianal abscess is identified, surgical treatment should be carried out as soon as possible. First, the abscess cavity needs to be opened, and the enclosed pus drained completely, and then either a local incision with suture or debridement surgery chosen for treatment. Additionally, it is necessary to maintain the normal function of the anal sphincter. If only conservative medication is used for a perianal abscess, it can only temporarily relieve the current symptoms and does not benefit the healing of the disease or its long-term development at all.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can a perianal abscess heal by itself without rupturing?

Perianal abscesses that have not ruptured generally involve two scenarios. First, the application of topical or oral antibiotics may eliminate the local abscess, but some infection foci and swelling may persist, with a possibility of recurrence later. The second scenario occurs when the abscess does not rupture, but the pus chamber further expands, leading to an increase in the area of infection and thus worsening systemic infection symptoms. Once a perianal abscess is detected, it is necessary to treat it promptly. If an early-stage typical pus chamber has not formed, antibiotics can be used for symptomatic treatment to reduce local inflammation. If a clear pus chamber has formed and is accompanied by pus, it is advisable to promptly perform an incision and drainage of the abscess, followed by a definitive surgical debridement.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How to find the internal opening of a perianal abscess?

The internal opening of a perianal abscess is mainly identified through digital rectal examination and with the aid of a probe and perianal ultrasonography. Typically, during the onset of a perianal abscess, there is noticeable redness, swelling, heat, and pain around the anus. Inside the anal canal, digital rectal examination and anoscopy reveal swollen mucosa at the anal crypt, accompanied by the discharge of pus. Using a probe for exploration can clearly identify the presence of the internal opening locally. Once the internal opening of a perianal abscess is located, prompt surgical treatment is necessary. Surgery for perianal abscesses generally involves a one-time radical procedure complemented by incision and drainage. If an internal opening exists and involves the sphincter, further surgery involving incision, drainage, and seton placement may be required.

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Written by Xiao Zhi Guo
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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Which department should I go to for perianal abscess?

During the acute phase of a perianal abscess, patients experience significant local redness, swelling, heat, and pain around the anus. The pain is severe and in some cases, patients are unable to sit or walk normally due to the discomfort. During this acute phase, the swelling of the skin around the anus can easily be confused with skin carbuncles, leading patients to mistakenly visit a dermatologist. However, a perianal abscess is a local anal disease that requires registration with a colorectal surgery department, as it is not merely a skin carbuncle but an infection caused by an infection at the anal crypts inside the anal canal. This necessitates prompt surgical incision and drainage, and, if a fistula has formed, a fistulotomy may also be necessary.