What are the treatment options for perianal abscess?
The only treatment is to give a cut over the swelling to release the pus and clean the underlying cavity and dressings later on to allow it to heal. This will be done under anaesthesia.
I had pain which was diagnosed as perianal abscess but it resolved with medications. Now I don’t have any pain. What should I do?
It is true that some times pain of perianal abscess resolves with medications. One must seek medical examination by a surgeon to assess the extent and get a radiological assessment by an MRI. If you leave the problem unattended gradually you might end up with complications.
What are the possible complications of perianal abscess?
If untreated any abscess can lead to problems which can even be life threatening as the infection gradually spreads and it might enter bloodstream.
As perianal abscess usually is a complication of existing untreated fissure in ano there is a high chance of a fistula formation later in the course of disease so you must consult the surgeon to assess for same.
What are the preparations required before surgery and what should I expect during hospital stay and after discharge?
Usually perianal abscess Is an emergency and you would be advised by the doctor to get admitted so that it can be drained as soon as possible. the preparation for surgery will be started after admission. You will be advised to undergo a few tests to assess your body functions and a pre-anaesthetic check-up (PAC) will be done by an anaesthesiologist (a specialist doctor) who will assess your fitness for anaesthesia.
You will be advised not to eat or drink anything.
Upon admission some paper work will be done and you will be asked to sign consent forms for anaesthesia and surgery.
You will be asked to change in to hospital clothing, shaving of the area will be done and you will be given some intravenous medications.
Once the preparations are done you will be wheeled into the preoperative area where nursing staff and doctors will confirm your identity and then you will be shifted to the operating room.
Your anaesthetist will put you under spinal or general anaesthesia and then surgery will start. Usually it takes about half an hour for the surgery to be over and then you will be shifted to post-operative recovery area in conscious state. You will be kept there for couple of hours and then you will be shifted to your designated room.
A catheter (pipe) might be put to drain out urine for maximum 24 hours and will be removed before you are Sent home.
You will be discharged to home the day after the surgery. You will be advised some medications on your discharge. You will be advised to take liquid diet at home for five days and then gradually you can start having normal diet.
You will have to get dressings done daily to keep the wound clean till it heals.
How soon can I resume work after surgery? How much bed rest is advised? Is there any specific season of year when I should opt for surgery?
No bed rest is advised. You will be encouraged to walk about on your own from the next day of surgery. You can resume normal household work two days after surgery. Climbing stairs will not be a problem.
