What is an anal abscess?
An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum.
What causes an abscess?
An abscess results from an acute infection of a small gland just inside the anus.
What are the symptoms of an abscess?
An abscess is usually associated with symptoms of pain and swelling around the anus
A patient who feels ill and complains of chills, fever and pain in the rectum or anus
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is by examination, either in an outpatient setting or under anaesthesia The examination can be an anoscopy.
Does an abscess always become a fistula?
No. A fistula develops in about 50 percent of all abscess cases, and there is really no way to predict if this will occur.
How is an abscess treated?
An abscess is treated by making an opening in the skin near the anus to drain the pus from the infected cavity.
