Anorectal abscess

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Rectum

Anal abscess; Rectal abscess; Abscess - anorectal

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.

With prompt treatment, a patient usually does well. Infants and toddlers usually recover very quickly.

• Systemic infection
• Anal fistula formation
• Recurrence
• Scarring

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.

Review Date: 07/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.