A perirectal abscess is a collection of pus that forms as the result of an infection, most often an infected anal gland. The individual will notice a tender red lump under the skin near the anus. Pain is the most common symptom and is usually constant and throbbing. A lump may feel tender and hot and will appear red. Abscesses develop more frequently in men and in people who are immune-compromised .
Fistula
In his article published in "Clinics and Colon and Rectal Surgery," Dr. Mark Whiteford recommends that an incision and drainage of a perirectal abscess should be done as close to the anus is possible, in order to reduce the risk of a fistula forming. A fistula is an abnormal tunnel that connects two different body cavities or connects a cavity to outside the body. As an abscess fills with pus, it may break open and drain on its own. This encourages a fistula to form between the outside of the body and the rectum, in the case of a perirectal abscess. When surgical incision and drainage is performed, the area may not always heal fully and result in the formation of a fistula.
Infection
If left untreated, a perirectal abscess can result in progression of infection to the point of tissue death and bacteria entering the bloodstream. This can lead to a generalized infection, called sepsis, according to MDGuidelines.com. The infection may also remain localized and result in cellulitis of the skin around the anus. The cellulitis is characterized by heat, redness, pain and swelling. Occasionally individuals will experience a fever, general malaise, chills and headache with cellulitis.
Bleeding
Bleeding is an unusual complication following surgical drainage of a perirectal abscess, according to Dr. Whiteford. Generally speaking, postoperative bleeding will subside several days after the surgical procedure and is usually contained by the dressings used following the surgery. If additional bleeding is noted, individuals should seek the care of their surgeon to ascertain that no blood vessels were inadvertently nicked during the procedure.
Pain
Dr. Savva Papagrigoriadis, Department of Colorectal Surgery at King's College Hospital in London, tells his patients that once the incision has been made, the pain is often immediately relieved, at Bowel-Health.com. Additional pain and discomfort may arise if the area becomes reinfected, the abscess recurs or a fistula forms.
