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Rectal abscess is a rare disease in this area. In this type of ailments, the treatment is decided by the doctor, usually requires surgical treatment, it may be supported by home treatment through sitz baths, proper diet and personal hygiene. What are the symptoms of an anal abscess? For what reasons does it arise?
Anal abscess – what is it?
An anal abscess is a restricted reservoir of pus (thick, liquid fluid formed by bacterial infection) located in the soft tissues near the anus and rectum. An anal abscess can be located just under the skin at the edge of the anus or much deeper near the rectal wall. The division of anal abscesses depends on their location in relation to the internal or external anal sphincter. Most often we deal with a perianal abscess, i.e. one located next to the lower pole of the anal canal. Less common are abscesses located between the internal and external anal sphincter, i.e. intersphincteric abscesses, or located next to these sphincters, i.e. recto-sciatic abscesses. An anal abscess is an ailment that affects men more than women. It is also found in patients suffering from chronic diseases of the intestine.
Anal abscess – causes of the occurrence
An anal abscess is a type of bacterial infection that develops around the anus. The immediate cause is an infection that comes from the crypts and anal glands. The infection occurs through bacteria commonly present on the skin and in the lumen of the intestine, such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli; less often pathogenic fungi are responsible for the abscess formation. Inflammation is caused by diarrhea, anal intercourse, insertion of foreign bodies into the anus, or inflammation of the tissues located in the small pelvis. Factors that also have a huge impact on the formation of a rectal abscess is the presence of other diseases such as:
- a clot in the lumen of the rectal varice;
- Crohn’s disease;
- ulcerative colitis;
- wound and surgical procedures around the anus;
- damage to the skin or mucosa of the anus or rectum when taking an enema or by a sharp object in the stool, such as a fishbone or an egg shell;
- the existence of an anal fissure.
Anal abscess – symptoms
The main symptoms of an anal abscess are pain and swelling in the anal area. Thickening may also occur. Pain is increasing hour by hour. The patient is very uncomfortable, unable to sit or move. The buttock around the anus may be enlarged. The patient may be weakened, tired, and may develop a fever. The area around the anus is red, tender, or painful to touch. A characteristic feature of perianal abscesses is that the higher the abscess is in relation to the anus, the weaker the local symptoms and the more general symptoms. When the doctor decides to cut or pierce an abscess, it will come out with a smelly pus, but at the same time the patient is greatly relieved. Anal abscess disease can be diagnosed through an ordinary physical examination. You can also use minimally invasive endoscopic examinations in the form of sigmoidoscopy or anoscopy.
Anal abscess – treatment
Treatment of an anal abscess depends on the location. If the abscess is superficial, an incision is made under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. It is also not necessary to use antibiotics. If the patient also suffers from diabetes, has a cardiological or oncological burden, then antibiotic therapy is needed. If we are dealing with extensive anal abscesses or the abscess occurs in the course of other diseases, as well as fistulas, surgical treatment is necessary. General anesthesia is performed and abscesses are excised, it is necessary to open all abscess chambers, which can penetrate really deeply and contain up to half a liter of foul-smelling purulent contents. An abscess usually heals quickly, but once it has healed, there is unfortunately a high probability that the fistula will remain – it is currently estimated to be around 40 percent. You can support the treatment of anal abscesses with home treatment in the form of: sitz baths, i.e. dipping and soaking the perianal area in appropriate antiseptic fluids, using a diet that facilitates proper defecation, relaxants and painkillers.
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