Anorectal Abscess And Anal Fistula

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An anorectal (a-no-REK-tal) abscess (AB-ses) is a collection of pus in the anus (rear end opening) or rectum. The rectum is the last part of the large bowel (colon) that ends at the anus. Sphincters are muscles around the anus that act like valves to control the passage of stool (bowel movement). An anorectal abscess may develop in the space between these anal sphincters and may then spread up or down. An abscess is classified according to the area it involves. An anorectal abscess may be caused by bacteria (germs) that may enter the skin through a tear or infect plugged glands in the anus. A tear may be due to constipation (dry, hard stools), trauma, or putting enemas into your rectum. An anal fistula is an abnormal connection (tunnel) from the anus or rectum to the skin or another organ. It may form from an abscess that has ruptured or been drained, or with conditions affecting the intestine. Sometimes, an anal fistula may happen as a birth defect. An anorectal abscess and fistula are conditions that often occur together.
  
  
• An abscess may cause a hard, red, tender lump or swelling in the area near the anus. Pain may be felt in your anus or lower abdomen (stomach), and may be worse when having a bowel movement (BM) or passing urine. You may also have a fever. A fistula may cause pain around the anus when having a bowel movement. There may be a discharge of blood or pus that may relieve the pain as the discharge increases. Your caregiver may need to carefully check your anal area and rectum to diagnose an anorectal abscess and anal fistula. Tests, such as anoscopy, fistulography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and sigmoidoscopy may also be done. Treatment may include medicines and procedures to drain the abscess or remove the fistula. With treatment, your abscess may be cured and more serious problems may be prevented.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Eat healthy foods:

Choose healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole-grain bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables. Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose protein sources, such as lean beef and chicken, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Ask how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you should have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Warm sitz bath:

Sitting in a tub of warm water may help decrease pain and swelling. Ask your caregiver for more information on when and how often to use a sitz bath.

Prevent constipation:

High-fiber foods, extra liquids, and regular exercise can help you prevent constipation. Examples of high-fiber foods are fruit and bran. Prune juice and water are good liquids to drink. Regular exercise helps your digestive system work. You may also be told to take over-the-counter fiber and stool softener medicines. Take these items as directed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You develop any new symptoms.
  
  
• You have increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or bleeding in the area.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have blood, pus, or a bad smelling discharge coming from your anus or vagina.
  
  
• You have a very bad pain in your rectum or vagina that does not go away.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your stools are black or have blood on them.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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