Perianal Abscess

Anal abscesses located in deeper tissue are less common and may be less visible. Surgical incision and drainage is the most common treatment for all types of anal abscesses and is usually successful. About 50% of patients with an anal abscess may develop a complication called fistula in ano.

Signs and symptoms of perirectal and perianal abscesses include the following:

• Pain in the anal area or buttocks.
• Pus drainage near the anus.
• Fever.
• A lump in the anal area.
• Painful bowel movements.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Fatigue.
• Swelling in the anal area or buttocks.

Causes of Anal Abscesses

An anal abscess can have many different causes. These include:

• An anal fissure, a tear in the anal canal, that becomes infected
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Blocked anal glands