Anal Abscess Specialist
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Jean A. Jaffke, M.D.
Colorectal Surgeon located in Novi, MI
Anal abscesses are painful and can cause troubling symptoms like rectal drainage of pus or blood. Double board-certified colorectal surgeon Jean Jaffke, MD provides effective in-office treatments to drain abscesses, and her follow-up care limits your risk of developing anal fistulas. If you have an anal abscess or pain or bleeding in or around your anus, call or schedule your appointment online today.
Anal Abscess Q & A
What is an anal abscess?
An anal abscess is a condition where one of the small, fluid-producing glands around your anus becomes infected and fills with pus. A perianal abscess is the most common type of anal abscess, which is found near your anus. Abscesses can also develop in glands located deeper within your tissue.
Abscesses are usually red, swollen, and painful. The pain is often worse when you sit down and put pressure on the abscess. The abscess may also leak foul-smelling pus or blood. The skin around your abscess is likely to be irritated and tender, and you may also experience constipation or pain during bowel movements.
If you have a deep tissue abscess, you may develop symptoms like fever, chills, or fatigue.
What causes an anal abscess?
There are many potential causes for anal abscesses, including infected tears in your anal canal, clogged anal glands, or sexually transmitted diseases.
Your risk of anal abscesses increases if you have a bowel condition like inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn’s diseases. Other health conditions like diabetes, diverticulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease can also increase your risk.
When should I see a doctor about an anal abscess?
You should make an appointment with Dr. Jaffke if you experience symptoms like rectal bleeding, pain, lumps, or swelling around your anus.
Even if you don’t have an anal abscess, these symptoms point to a colorectal problem that needs medical attention.
How are anal abscesses treated?
Dr. Jaffke first gives you a physical exam to confirm that the condition causing your symptoms is an anal abscess. If you don’t have external symptoms, she may use an anoscope to examine the inside of your anus and rectum. Dr. Jaffke may order additional tests and blood work to check if Crohn’s disease is contributing to your condition.
Dr. Jaffke performs in-office surgical procedures to drain and treat anal abscesses. The most common treatment is a simple lance-and-drain procedure to remove the pus from the abscess.
If your abscess is large, Dr. Jaffke may suggest surgical incision and drainage and a temporary drain to ensure the abscess empties completely.
If left untreated, anal abscesses can continue to grow and cause complications like anal fistulas and cellulitis infections. Call or schedule an appointment online today for expert treatments for anal abscesses.
