How to find the internal opening of a perianal abscess?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 03, 2024
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The internal opening of a perianal abscess is mainly identified through digital rectal examination and with the aid of a probe and perianal ultrasonography. Typically, during the onset of a perianal abscess, there is noticeable redness, swelling, heat, and pain around the anus. Inside the anal canal, digital rectal examination and anoscopy reveal swollen mucosa at the anal crypt, accompanied by the discharge of pus. Using a probe for exploration can clearly identify the presence of the internal opening locally. Once the internal opening of a perianal abscess is located, prompt surgical treatment is necessary. Surgery for perianal abscesses generally involves a one-time radical procedure complemented by incision and drainage. If an internal opening exists and involves the sphincter, further surgery involving incision, drainage, and seton placement may be required.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Does a recurrent perianal abscess occur in the same location?

The recurrence of a perianal abscess may not necessarily be in the same location, but it is possible. If the internal opening was not completely cleared during the first perianal abscess surgery, this could lead to reinfection of the anal glands and subsequently a recurrence of the perianal abscess. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a hospital early for a perianal MRI to determine the position of the internal opening and the extent of the infected tissue. Then, a one-time radical surgery for the perianal abscess can be performed. After the surgery, it is crucial to consistently use medications like red oil gauze, anal wash, and golden ointment for dressing changes, to promote wound healing and avoid pseudo-healing. Additionally, if a perianal abscess was completely cured once, poor diet, lack of sleep, or frequent alcohol consumption could potentially cause abscesses in other perianal areas later. This situation is quite common, so it is important for patients to maintain a light diet.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can I eat eggs with a perianal abscess?

Patients with perianal abscess can eat eggs, but during the acute onset period of a perianal abscess, besides sticking to a light diet, it is more important to seek surgical treatment as soon as possible. A perianal abscess is an acute infectious disease near the anal sinuses. Typically, it presents with severe local pain in the anus. Once pus forms, it is encapsulated in the abscess cavity and needs to be surgically drained as soon as possible to remove the infection thoroughly. This helps to prevent further enlargement of the abscess cavity and worsening of the condition. Furthermore, in the early postoperative period, patients can consume liquid foods and eat eggs in moderation or other easily digestible foods. However, they should avoid spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers and seafood.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Perianal abscess clinical manifestations

Perianal abscess is an acute infectious disease of the local skin, mucosa, and sphincter around the anus, characterized by certain acute clinical symptoms, most commonly pain. The onset of a perianal abscess is generally sudden, occurring within one to three days. Due to the formation of a local pus cavity, intense pain is experienced along with the red, swollen, and hot skin in the affected area. The nature of the pain is often throbbing or pecking. If the infection worsens or is not actively treated, it may also cause systemic symptoms such as fever and chills due to the pain and infection. With repeated attacks over a long term, or if the patient's physical condition is poor, further symptoms like fatigue might occur. Acute episodes of perianal abscess require prompt surgical intervention.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should not be eaten with a perianal abscess?

During the acute phase of a perianal abscess, it is not advised to consume overly spicy and stimulating foods, drink alcohol, or eat much lamb, seafood, and other aggravating items. This is because a perianal abscess is a local infectious disease around the anus. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo surgery as soon as possible during an outbreak to prevent the spread of the abscess and increase the difficulty of treatment later. The surgical methods mainly include incision and drainage and one-time radical surgery. However, when there is a local fistula or changes in the sphincter, a fistulotomy with seton placement can also be chosen. Post-surgery, it is crucial to pay attention to the local wound drainage and dressing changes, which are very important for wound healing. It is essential to ensure proper drainage and thorough dressing changes to avoid pseudohealing or recurrent infection of the wound.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can a perianal abscess be completely cured?

The primary cause of perianal abscesses is the repeated inflammatory stimulation near the dentate line of the anus, leading to infection. As the infection worsens, localized foci of infection form, resulting in the formation of pus and abscesses. Once a perianal abscess has formed, the patient will experience severe pain and will require prompt surgical treatment. If a definitive one-time surgery for the perianal abscess is chosen, it can be completely treated. Post-surgery, simply changing the dressing on the local wound will suffice, and the wound is expected to fully heal and recover. However, if an incision and drainage surgery was performed for the perianal abscess, a fistula may have already formed, requiring a second surgery for cutting and threading the fistula.