What is an Anal Abscess and Anal Fistula?
An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum. It results from an acute infection of a small gland just inside the anus. If the skin over the abscess breaks pus may discharge out.
A fistula is a small tunnel that connects a previously infected anal gland to the skin on the buttocks outside the anus (Perianal area).
What are the Symptoms of an Abscess or Fistula?
An abscess is usually associated with symptoms of pain and swelling around the anus. Individuals may also experience fatigue, fevers and chills. Symptoms related to the fistula include irritation of skin around the anus, drainage of pus and fever.
How Anal Abscess/Fistula is Diagnosed?
Clinical examination including digital rectal examination is crucial in the assessment of anal fistula.
Anoscopy is performed to identify the internal opening. Sigmoidoscopy is performed to locate the internal opening and to exclude underlying secondary pathology.
Occasionally, total examination of the large bowel is required either using colonoscopy or barium enema in patients with atypical or recurrent anal fistula who have symptoms suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease.
Endoanal ultrasonography is useful in the total assessment of anal fistula.
Fistulography and magnetic resonance imaging to further delineate complex recurrent anal fistula. Pre-operative assessment of the anal sphincter function may be useful to plan operative approach in patients with recurrent fistula, women with previous obstetric trauma and elderly patients.
How is an Abscess Treated?
What to Expect After Fistula Surgery?
Our Specialist
Dr. Nitish Jhawar
M.S., FMAS, FIAGES, FALS, FACRSI
Fellow Advance Laparoscopic Surgery
Fellow Colorectal Surgery USA
Senior Laparoscopic & Colorectal Surgeon
Phone No: +91 9322 229 159
Email Id: info@neoalta.com
