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Perianal Abscess

What is Perianal Abscess?

An abscess is a collection of pus within the body. A perianal abscess refers to an abscess in the area around the anus. There are numerous different names given to these abscesses, depending on their actual location. Those in the skin adjacent to the anus are perianal abscess. Those that are deep seated and lie next to the muscles are called ischiorectal abscess. Some uncommon abscess that lies between the 2 layers of the sphincter muscles are called intersphincteric abscess.

Perianal Abscess
A perianal abscess can be very uncomfortable and most require drainage in order to resolve, so do not delay seeking medical attention should you notice symptoms.

Symptoms

Pain is usually the most obvious symptom. The more superficial abscess may also start as a swelling that is painful when touched. The area may also feel warm to touch. This pain is persistent and may be worse when passing motion.

Some patients are so fearful of the pain that they avoid passing motion when they have an abscess. For some of the deep abscesses, pain may be the only symptom. Although an abscess is due to an infection, fever may not always be present. Some of the abscesses are very deep seated and pain may be the only symptom.

In some cases, the skin over the abscess may break and pus (and sometimes a bit of blood) may discharge. The pain and swelling would usually improve after the pus is discharged, but you should still see your doctor to ensure that all the pus is cleaned out. If the pus is not properly cleared, the abscess can recur in the near future.

Some people confuse the swelling with haemorrhoids (piles).

Diagnosis

Most of the time, it is fairly easy to diagnose an abscess just by looking at it and touching it.

In some of the rare deep abscesses, it might require either ultrasound, CT scan or even MRI for an accurate diagnosis.

In the hands of an experienced colorectal specialist, you can rest assured that the treatment will be performed with precision, safety and minimal post-op discomfort in mind.

Treatment

Some of the very small and early abscesses may be treated with antibiotics and use of a needle and syringe to suck out most of the pus.

Most abscesses require incision and drainage. This is a minor colorectal surgery in which the skin over the abscess is cut open and the pus is washed out. The skin cut is not stitched back, and the open wound requires daily cleaning to ensure that no remnant pus stays behind.


Our Colorectal Surgeon
Ho Kok Sun Colorectal clinic logo
Dr Ho Kok Sun
Colorectal & General Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore),
M Med (Gen Surg) (Singapore),
FRCSEd (Gen Surg), FAMS
Dr Ho Kok Sun has been treating perianal abscesses for over a decade and was the past President of the ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons and the Society of Colorectal Surgeons (Singapore), as well as a founding member of the Eurasian Colorectal Technologies Association. Dr Ho was actively involved in the training of medical students and residents, and has published widely in reputable journals and book chapters. He believes that treatment should always be personalised to the patient’s needs.

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Ho Kok Sun Colorectal clinic logo
Ho Kok Sun Colorectal

Colorectal Surgeon

3 Mount Elizabeth,
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#12-09, Singapore 228510

Tel (+65) 6737 2778
Fax : (+65) 6737 2389
Email hokoksuncolorectal@gmail.com

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