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 Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Anal abscess should visit which department?

Perianal abscess is a common disease in proctology, generally involving an infection of the local anal crypts and submucosal tissues near the anus. When a perianal abscess acutely flares, it is necessary to register with the department of coloproctology and undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible to prevent the abscess from expanding and leading to a systemic infection. The primary surgical treatment for perianal abscesses is a onetime radical surgery, but when there are changes resembling anal fistulas or leakage, options may also include incision, drainage, and seton procedures. After surgery, it is necessary to disinfect the local wound daily and ensure that the wound drainage is unobstructed.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How to drain pus when a perianal abscess bursts?

If an anal abscess ruptures, it then forms an anal fistula. Both the acute phase of an anal abscess and anal fistula require surgical treatment. If only the local pus is drained, it is generally recommended to open the abscess cavity for local debridement and disinfection, and to further excise the infection focus. During surgery, to protect the function of the local anal sphincter, a seton stitch procedure is also needed. Post-surgery, it is necessary to disinfect and change dressings for the local wound, and ensure normal growth of the granulation tissue to prevent the occurrence of false healing.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How many days is the hospital stay for perianal abscess surgery?

After surgery for a perianal abscess, due to the presence of a local wound and the significant discharge from the wound in the early postoperative period, combined with the potential fall of ligatures or elastic bands at the area, a hospital stay of approximately two weeks is required. For severe cases or those with deeper abscess cavities, a hospital stay of three weeks or even a month might be necessary. The main purpose of the hospital stay post-surgery is to monitor for any major bleeding from the wound, and to facilitate dressing changes. Postoperative dressing changes for a perianal abscess wound are crucial for recovery, as only thorough daily disinfection and dressing changes can ensure uniform granulation and growth of local tissues, prevent the enclosure of pus within the local cavity leading to pseudohealing or reinfection, and thus affect the treatment outcome of the surgery. Approximately one month after surgery, regular follow-up visits are required to monitor the healing of the local wound.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Will people with perianal abscess experience weight loss?

Generally, perianal abscesses do not cause weight loss. Typically, perianal abscesses are caused by common bacteria infecting the spaces around the anus and rectum, leading to an acute purulent infection. When an abscess forms, it can cause sudden swelling and pain in the perianal area, with episodic increases in pain. However, if the abscess is caused by tuberculosis bacteria, it can lead to a chronic condition and systemic wasting diseases, which may present symptoms such as night sweats, feverish feelings, etc. Chronic diseases can cause weight loss.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Differences between minimally invasive surgery and traditional surgery for perianal abscess

In clinical practice, perianal abscesses are primarily due to infection and inflammation of the anal glands, which then leads to the formation of red and swollen masses around the anus, causing pain and swelling near the anus. If not treated surgically in a timely manner, it can lead to necrotizing fasciitis or anal fistulas. Minimally invasive surgery for perianal abscesses mainly aims to minimize damage to the anal sphincter during the procedure. Techniques such as loop drainage can be employed to preserve it, whereas traditional surgery generally involves larger incisions, but provides better drainage and has a lower recurrence rate post-operatively. However, leakage or moisture in the anal area can occur after traditional surgery. For minimally invasive surgery for perianal abscesses, there is a relatively higher recurrence rate since the drainage may not be as effective. However, the integrity of the anus post-surgery is better preserved and incidents of leakage are less frequent. The choice of surgical method should still be based on the severity of the perianal abscess.