Anal abscesses are a common condition, primarily caused by localized bacterial infections originating from glands like the hermann desfosses glands in the anal crypts. When inflamed, pus spreads along these glands to the surrounding areas, potentially extending along the walls and loose spaces around the anus to the skin, forming an abscess. This condition causes pain, affects daily activities, and can make sitting and defecating difficult for the patient.

Without timely treatment, the purulent infection can spread, causing widespread inflammation around the perineum and ischiorectal fossa, leading to complex and severe damage. In some cases, patients may experience a high fever or septic shock.

_A doctor consults a patient with an anal abscess. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital_

If you have an anal swelling, you should visit a specialist hospital for a doctor to examine and identify the cause. This condition could stem from various issues, including cellulitis, boils, pilonidal sinus, infected sebaceous cysts, fistulas from perineal tears during childbirth, endometriosis, or rectovaginal fistulas.

The primary treatment method for anal abscesses is incision and drainage of the abscess cavity. If the abscess is large and extends into the ischiorectal fossa, drainage is necessary. Some cases also require daily irrigation of the abscess cavity.

Doctors will collect pus for bacterial culture and an antibiogram to identify the specific bacteria and select an effective antibiotic for the patient. Thorough treatment of anal abscesses is crucial because the condition can easily lead to anal fistulas, characterized by small openings near the anus that discharge fluid or pus, recurring in episodes, and forming new abscesses. Therefore, two to three months after the abscess has stabilized with treatment, you should have a follow-up examination, and treatment will be prescribed depending on your specific condition.

Dr. Le Van Luong, Master of Science, Level II Specialist

Department of General Surgery

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi