Perirectal Abscess Specialist

Sonoran Surgical

General Surgeon & Colorectal Surgeons in Chandler, AZ, San Tan Valley, AZ, Mesa, AZ & Gilbert AZ

Chances are you’ll know it when you have a perirectal abscess because its primary symptom is the pain. There’s only one treatment option for this problem, and that’s surgery to drain the abscess and eliminate the infection. Aalok Sahai, MD, has years of experience performing the procedure you need to treat a perirectal abscess. It’s important to get early treatment to prevent complications, so call Sonoran Surgical in Chandler, and San Tan Valley, Arizona, or schedule an appointment online.

Perirectal Abscess Q & A

What is a perirectal abscess?

A perirectal abscess is an infection that occurs along the anal canal, which is the part of your large intestine that lies between the rectum and the anus. The lining of the anal canal has folds of tissues, which form small crypts that can get blocked and become infected. As the infection progresses, it enlarges to become a pus-filled abscess.

What symptoms develop due to a perirectal abscess?

At first, you may notice a dull pain near your anus that turns into a sharp pain when you have a bowel movement. As the infection worsens, you begin to experience severe, constant pain in the anal area that may worsen when you move or while sitting.

You may also feel fatigued and develop a fever and chills. In some cases, you may feel like you need to go to the bathroom when you don’t.

Why is it important to get early treatment?

It’s important to see Dr. Sahai as soon as you feel pain in your anal area. If you wait to get treatment, the infection can spread into the surrounding tissues, and then progress to become a dangerous systemic infection.

Additionally, an untreated abscess often leads to the development of a fistula. It’s estimated that 30-70% of anorectal abscesses are associated with a fistula.

A fistula is a tube-like connection that forms between the inside of the anus and your skin. After it forms, bacteria get trapped in the fistula, which causes the infection to recur.

Once you develop a fistula, chances are you’ll need surgery to repair the fistula and prevent ongoing infections.

How is a perirectal abscess treated?

As soon as Dr. Sahai determines you have a perirectal abscess, he performs a surgical incision and drainage to eliminate the trapped pus and bacteria. Although the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic after surgical intervention, antibiotics without surgery are seldom effective for treating a perirectal abscess.

Your abscess may be treated in the office. However, perirectal abscesses that are deep or that are associated with a fistula may be drained in the hospital.

If you develop pain around your anal area, schedule an appointment online or call Sonoran Surgical.