Anorectal abscess
Alternative Names
Anal abscess; Rectal abscess; Abscess - anorectalTreatment
Treatment involves draining the abscess. If the abscess is very deep, you may need surgery to have this done.
Warm sitz baths (sitting in a tub of warm water) may help relieve pain and swelling, and may help make the abscess easier to drain.
Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics.
Outlook (Prognosis)
With prompt treatment, a patient usually does well. Infants and toddlers usually recover very quickly.
Possible Complications
- Systemic infection
- Anal fistula formation
- Recurrence
- Scarring
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you notice a rectal discharge, symptoms of an anorectal abscess develop. You should also call if you have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.