What is an anal abscess?
An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus, located near the opening of the anal canal. Symptoms of an anal abscess can include constant pain and swelling, fever, and drainage of pus. The providers at Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists can treat an abscess by draining the pus from the infected cavity, oftentimes in our office using local anesthetic. Drainage of a large or deep abscess may take place in an operating room.
What is an anal fistula?
An anal fistula occurs in up to 40 percent of all abscess cases (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons). Many times, an anal fistula is the result of a previous abscess acting as a persistent abnormal passage or tunnel between the interior of the anal canal/rectum and the skin surface where the abscess drained. If the outside opening of the tunnel heals, recurrent abscesses develop. Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists recommend surgical intervention to cure an anal fistula to limit damage to the sphincter muscles. A complicated fistula may require repair using a flap of tissue or the use of a newer product called Surgsis® AFP™ Anal Fistula Plug.
What is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining the anus, which can cause pain and/or bleeding. The pain is typically sharp with increasing intensity during bowel movements. The most common cause is a hard, dry bowel movement though other causes include diarrhea and inflammation of the anorectal area. Anal fissures may be acute (recent onset) or chronic (present for a long time or recurring frequently). While the majority of acute anal fissures managed with non-operative treatments heal without surgery, (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons) chronic fissures may require surgery where a small portion of the sphincter muscle is cut to relieve the spasm and allow healing. In some cases, Botox injections are administered to aid in healing.
