ACUTE ANORECTAL INFECTION
Perianal Abscess
A painful collection of pus that develops near the anus, usually caused by an infected anal gland — leading to severe throbbing pain, swelling, redness, and often fever requiring urgent drainage.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Perianal Abscess
A perianal abscess is a localised collection of pus that develops in the tissues around the anus, most often due to infection of the small anal glands inside the anal canal. It is one of the most common anorectal emergencies, presenting with severe throbbing pain that worsens when sitting or during bowel movements, along with visible swelling, redness and sometimes fever. Without timely treatment, an abscess may rupture spontaneously, spread to deeper tissues, or progress into a chronic anal fistula. Diabetes, immunosuppression, and inflammatory bowel disease increase the risk. Definitive treatment requires prompt surgical drainage to relieve pressure, control infection, and reduce the chance of fistula formation. Dr. Tejasree Vengala offers urgent, expert abscess care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Infection of the small anal glands inside the anal canal
- Diabetes and other conditions that weaken immunity
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease
- Previous anal trauma or anorectal surgery
- Sexually transmitted infections of the perianal area
- Hidradenitis suppurativa or chronic skin infections
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Perianal, Ischiorectal, Intersphincteric or Supralevator — based on location.
Incision and Drainage (I&D), or Examination Under Anaesthesia (EUA) with drainage for deeper abscesses.
Needs prompt drainage — antibiotics alone are not sufficient.
Pain relief is almost immediate after drainage; full healing in 2–4 weeks.
Around 30–50% of abscesses may go on to form an anal fistula.
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Incision and Drainage (I&D)
Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs urgent incision and drainage to safely release the collected pus, relieve pain immediately, and prevent the infection from spreading. The procedure is quick, performed under local or short anaesthesia, and offers dramatic relief from pain and swelling within hours.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Tejasree examines the area, checks for deeper or complex abscesses, and orders blood tests or imaging if needed for ischiorectal or supralevator abscess.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Most superficial abscesses are drained urgently under local anaesthesia. Deeper or complex abscesses are planned for drainage in the operating theatre under EUA.
- 3
Procedure
A small incision is made to drain the pus completely. The cavity is washed and packed if needed, with no stitches usually required.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Patients usually go home the same day. Sitz baths, dressings and antibiotics support healing, and follow-up checks for any developing fistula.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Incision and Drainage (I&D)
Standard urgent procedure to release pus from a perianal abscess — performed under local or short anaesthesia, with immediate relief of pain.
EUA + Drainage
Examination Under Anaesthesia combined with drainage — used for deeper, complex or recurrent abscesses where complete drainage and assessment are needed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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