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Education
| Educational
Materials:
Perianal
Abscess and Fistula |
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What
Is a Perianal Abscess?
A
perianal abscess is an infection around
your anus that began in a mucous-secreting
gland in the anal canal.
What
Is a Perianal Fistula?
A
perianal fistula, almost always the result
of a previous abscess, is a small passage
connecting the anal gland from which
the abscess arose to the skin where the
abscess was drained.
What
Causes an Abscess?
An
abscess results when a small gland just
inside the anus becomes infected from
bacteria or stool trapped in the gland.
You did nothing to cause this infection.
Certain conditions--constipation, diarrhea,
colitis, or other inflammation of the
intestine, for example may sometimes
make these infections more likely.
What
Causes a Fistula?
After
an abscess has been drained, a passage
may remain between the anal gland and
the skin, resulting in a fistula. If
the gland does not heal, there will be
persistent drainage through this passage.
If the outside opening of the fistula
heals first, a recurrent abscess may
develop.
What
Are The Symptoms of an Abscess
or Fistula?
Perianal
abscesses are generally accompanied by
intense anal pain and swelling. Fever
is possible. Drainage of the abscess,
either on its own or with an incision,
relieves the pain and pressure. Fistulas
are associated with drainage of blood,
pus, or mucus, but they are generally
not painful.
Does
an Abscess Always Become a Fistula?
No.
A fistula develops in about 30-50 percent
of all abscess cases, and there is really
no way to predict if this will occur.
If drainage persists for two to three
months, a perianal fistula is most likely
present.
How
Is an Abscess Treated?
An
abscess is treated by draining the pus
through an opening made in the skin near
the anus. Often this can be done in the
doctor's office using a local anesthetic.
A large or deep abscess may require drainage
in the operating room. Hospitalization
may be necessary for patients susceptible
to more serious infections, such as diabetics
or people with decreased immunity.
How
Is a Fistula Treated?
Surgery
is generally necessary to treat a perianal
fistula. This usually involves cutting
a small portion of the anal sphincter
muscle to open the passage, joining the
external and internal opening, and converting
the passage into a groove that will then
heal from the inside out. Most fistula
surgery can be performed on an outpatient
basis. If the fistula involves too much
sphincter muscle, a two-stage procedure
or more complicated repair may be necessary.
What
Can I Expect After Surgery?
Discomfort
after fistula surgery can be mild to
moderate for the first week and can be
controlled with pain pills. The amount
of time lost from work or school is usually
minimal. There will be no limitation
on activity. Soak the affected area in
warm water three or four times a day.
Stool softeners may also be recommended.
You may need to wear a gauze pad or minipad
to prevent the drainage from soiling
your clothes. Bowel movements will not
affect healing.
Will
an Abscess or Fistula Recur?
If
proper healing occurs, the problem usually
will not return. If your bowels are otherwise
normal, you are probably not at higher
risk for developing another abscess. |
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Berks
Colorectal Surgical Associates
Frank M. Carter, M.D.
Wayne C. DeVos, M.D., PHD.
301 South 7th Ave, Suite 100 :: West Reading, PA 19611
Telephone: 610.375.6001 :: Fax: 610.374.0678
. Web Development by iwebminds.com
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