How to eliminate a perianal abscess mass?

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on February 11, 2025
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Perianal abscess nodules are primarily caused by inflammatory infections that lead to local fibrosis, which then forms the nodules. For these nodules, it is recommended to employ a one-time radical cure surgery for perianal abscesses, mainly to remove the internal opening and the inflamed infected tissues. Since a perianal abscess can form a fistula after bursting on its own, failing to completely remove the infected tissue may lead to the development of anal fistulas later. Therefore, clinically, for perianal abscess nodules, it is advised to treat them with a one-time radical cure surgery for perianal abscesses. Post-surgery, medications such as anal washes and red oil ointment gauze strips are chosen for dressing changes. As for early-stage perianal abscess nodules, these are mainly inflammatory infections causing red and swollen lumps, which gradually turn into purulent and liquefied masses. Once suppuration occurs, they can be opened and drained, thereby causing the nodules to disappear. The nodules formed after incision and drainage are mainly considered to be from inflammatory spread to fibrotic tissue, and thus, surgical removal is required in these cases.

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Written by Xiao Zhi Guo
Colorectal Surgery Department
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How to treat perianal abscess?

Perianal abscesses generally have two treatment options. Initially, if the abscess is not very large and the swelling and pain are not particularly severe, conservative treatment with antibiotics can be used temporarily. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the swelling worsens, surgical treatment may be necessary. In cases of severe abscesses, incision and drainage can be considered first, followed by antibiotic treatment. Surgical definitive treatment can then be performed 3-5 days later.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can conservative treatment be effective for perianal abscesses?

Conservative treatment of perianal abscesses can only relieve temporary inflammatory symptoms and cannot achieve a curative effect. There is also the potential for conservative treatment to delay the condition, leading to an increase in the size of the abscess cavity or the rapid expansion of pus, thereby exacerbating the condition. Once a perianal abscess is identified, surgical treatment should be carried out as soon as possible. First, the abscess cavity needs to be opened, and the enclosed pus drained completely, and then either a local incision with suture or debridement surgery chosen for treatment. Additionally, it is necessary to maintain the normal function of the anal sphincter. If only conservative medication is used for a perianal abscess, it can only temporarily relieve the current symptoms and does not benefit the healing of the disease or its long-term development at all.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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If pus is draining from a perianal abscess, does that mean it's getting better?

The discharge of pus from a perianal abscess does not indicate improvement. This situation is due to the spontaneous rupture of the perianal abscess, which can easily lead to the formation of an anal fistula. Since a perianal abscess is caused by an infection of the anal glands and can infect the surrounding tissues, the simple discharge of pus without clearing the internal opening and infected tissues will not resolve the problem. Furthermore, there is a risk of recurrent episodes that may even result in more severe swelling. Therefore, it is necessary to seek early treatment at a hospital's colorectal surgery department for a definitive one-time surgical resolution of the perianal abscess, removing the internal opening and infected tissues. Post-surgery, medications like anal washes and potassium permanganate solutions should be used for dressing changes. Additionally, medications like erythromycin ointment strips and mupirocin ointment can be used to promote healing of the local surgical site. Patients should also maintain perianal hygiene, ensure smooth bowel movements, and avoid dry, hard stools that may irritate and cause pain or bleeding at the wound site.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can an anal abscess without pus be treated without surgery?

Perianal abscesses require surgical treatment even if there is no pus present, as early-stage perianal abscesses are primarily characterized by pain and noticeable lumps near the anus, with the lumps typically being hard. This condition is mainly considered to be an infection and inflammation of the anal glands, which then infects the surrounding tissue, leading to the development of lumps. Surgical treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible even in the absence of pus, because as the infection worsens over time, it may lead to the formation of pus. Early treatment can be advantageous as the infected area is not very extensive, thus resulting in a smaller surgical wound. For early-stage perianal abscesses, a one-time radical surgery may be chosen to remove the internal opening and the infected tissue thoroughly, followed by postoperative care using medicated substances such as erythromycin ointment gauze, anal washes, or mupirocin ointment to promote healing of the surgical wound.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What anti-inflammatory medication should be taken for a perianal abscess?

If the perianal abscess is in the acute phase, one can opt for oral medication that clears heat, cools the blood, reduces swelling, and relieves pain, specifically designed for hemorrhoids, and it can be combined with oral antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment. However, treating a perianal abscess with oral medication alone can only alleviate symptoms or prevent the pus cavity from spreading too quickly, and does not provide a radical cure. The definitive treatment for a perianal abscess primarily involves surgery. The surgical method generally used is a one-time radical surgery for perianal abscesses, as the abscess forms a pus cavity and pus under the skin around the anus. Therefore, the surgery initially requires draining of the local pus, followed by thorough debridement of the walls of the pus cavity to allow fresh granulation tissue to regrow, filling the wound and facilitating the recovery of the local wound. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Please consult a doctor and follow the guidance of a professional physician before using any medication. Do not self-medicate.)