What is a Rectal Abscess?
A rectal abscess, also referred to as anorectal or anal abscess, is quite a painful condition where suppuration (pus formation) takes place under the skin of the area of the rectum and anus. Its severity and precise location may vary for every patient. However, most patients with rectal abscesses also suffer from fistula and therefore require proper evaluation and treatment. Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgery Clinic has the best Doctors For Rectal Abscess Treatment in Hyderabad. Book an appointment to learn more symptoms and treatment options.
Types of Rectal Abscess
As per anatomical site classification, a rectal abscess is of the following four types:
- Perianal- A most common type of rectal abscess confined to the perianal space- the area in and around the anus.
- Ischiorectal- The second most common type of rectal abscess, the so-called horseshoe abscess, is confined to the ischiorectal space. It is formed when the pus transverses the external anal sphincter and extends from the levator ani muscle to the anal canal via the perineum lateral.
- Intersphincteric- The third most common type of rectal abscess confined to the space between the internal and external anal sphincters. It is extremely painful.
- Supralevator- The least common type of rectal abscess confined to the supralevator space. It is formed as a result of cephalad extension of the intersphincteric abscess on top of the levator ani or due to caudal extension of a suppurative abdominal process like gynecologic sepsis, appendicitis, or diverticular disease.
This classification of rectal abscess is useful for a proctologist in Hyderabad to understand the specific location and extent of rectal abscess so that an appropriate treatment plan can be recommended to the patient.
One can visit Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgery Clinic for Rectal Abscess treatment in Hyderabad for people of all ages.
Causes of Rectal Abscess
There are multiple reasons behind rectal abscess occurrence, including:
- Bacterial infection of the clogged glands situated in the anal cavity (most common cause)
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease- the inflammatory bowel disease that causes the body to attack the healthy tissues like that of the anorectal region
- Trauma
- Diabetes
- Tuberculosis
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Use of certain medications like prednisone or other steroid drugs
- Smoking
- Sexually transmitted infections because of infected/receptive partner while having anal sex
- Recent or current use of chemotherapy drugs or immunosuppressant medications
- Weak or compromised immune system because of HIV or the spread of cancer.
Symptoms of Rectal Abscess
Rectal abscess is associated with the following signs and symptoms:
- Night sweats
- Fever with or without chills in deep-seated abscesses
- Fatigue
- A constant dull, sharp, or throbbing pain or aching along with discomfort and drainage of pus near the buttocks or anus which worsens on sitting
- A lump or hardened tissue formed near the anus which pains on touch
- Redness or inflammation near the anus
- Painful bowel movements or constipation
- Rectal bleeding
- Urinary symptoms like trouble in peeing
- Lower abdominal pain.
Diagnosis of Rectal Abscess in Hyderabad
A doctor diagnoses a rectal abscess after reviewing the patient’s medical records and the symptoms followed by a clinical evaluation. During clinic evaluation, a digital rectal examination is performed to check the anorectal area for characteristic nodules or pain, redness, and swelling. For digital rectal examination, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the anus. To allow the whole anal region to be visualised, a speculum may also be inserted through the anal hole.
In some cases, the doctor orders some diagnostic tests like proctosigmoidoscopy, MRI, ultrasound, or CT scan to find the location of the abscess, check for its extent, and screen its underlying cause. Blood and stool tests, colonoscopy, and imaging tests are ordered to ensure Crohn’s disease is not a causative factor.
Treatment of Rectal Abscess in Hyderabad
Rarely, a rectal abscess can resolve on its own. Immediate treatment is necessary to drain out the pus and avoid complications.
Once a rectal abscess is detected by a proctologist, it is recommended to get the pus surgically drained immediately. The Rectal Abscess Treatment/Surgery in Hyderabad is carried out under local or general anaesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. The type of anaesthesia is decided by an anesthesiologist as per the size and location of the rectal abscess.
Mostly, a proctologist uses a laser to make an incision in the anorectal region for draining the pus out and to debride the walls of the cavity of the anal abscess. After the treatment, the patient is provided with painkillers to get relief from post-procedural discomfort and antibiotics to prevent infections in the treated area.
In case of a severe rectal abscess or a large/deep rectal abscess, surgery using general anaesthesia may be recommended. It involves making a tiny hole in the skin next to the anus so that pus can be drained. Sometimes, a catheter (a long hollow tube) is inserted into the anal cavity to ensure the complete drainage of pus from the rectal abscess. The pus drainage relieves the discomforting pressure and allows the tissues in the anorectal area to heal. After the pus drainage, typically the treated abscess is left open to heal itself without sutures.
Patients who have weak or compromised immune systems, following the surgery, cannot get hospital discharge for a few days as they need to be kept safe from catching an infection.
Post Rectal Abscess Treatment
Following pus drainage of rectal abscess in Hyderabad, the patient is asked to:
- Take certain medications like antibiotics to avoid infections or treat infection if it has spread.
- Take laxatives or stool softeners as well as dietary fibre-rich diet and supplements to avoid constipation.
- Keep their anorectal area clean.
- Take a sitz bath to reduce swelling.
- Avoid missing follow-up visits as there is a chance of rectal abscess recurring or fistulas developing.
FAQs on Rectal Abscess Treatment
How serious is a rectal abscess?
A rectal abscess is not a life-threatening condition. But, if it is left untreated, it can cause serious complications such as anal fistula and sepsis. Rarely, but potentially a fatal complication is Fournier’s gangrene.
How can I prevent rectal abscesses?
The chances of developing rectal abscess can be reduced by avoiding its risk factors like having safe and protected sexual intercourse, getting sexually transmitted infections timely and best treated, managing diabetes, avoiding the use of sex toys, practicing good hygiene and washroom habits, and taking medications and other treatments for Crohn’s disease.
When will I need medical attention for rectal abscess?
If experiencing any symptoms of rectal abscess go to a proctologist for prompt medical attention before any complications happen.
Who is more likely to have a rectal abscess?
Rectal abscess mostly develops in pregnant women; men; diabetics; people with Crohn’s disease, anal fissures, or cracks; people suffering from sexually transmitted infections; those who place foreign objects in the rectum during sex; and people taking immunosuppressants or chemotherapy drugs.
How lengthy is drained rectal abscess recovery?
The recovery period for a drained rectal abscess lasts generally for about 3-4 weeks. Consult experts at Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgery Clinic for details on Rectal Disease Treatment in Hyderabad.
Schedule an appointment!
If you are facing any anal pain or discomfort, reach out to our top-notch proctologists and Rectal Abscess Doctor in Hyderabad at Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgery Clinic. We assure you of the best diagnosis and advanced treatment for rectal abscesses by experts at an affordable price. We even guide you on how to prevent your condition from recurring. Don’t hesitate to talk to our proctologist having deep knowledge of the anatomy of the anorectal region. You can book your appointment today and get started with your treatment.
Leave us a message and our team will get in touch with you.
Address:
Plot no 770, Jayabheri Park,
Behind BigBazar, Kompally,
Hyderabad, Telangana 500014, India.
Email ID
sreenandaka@gmail.com
Contact No.
+91-9000835000,
+91-9000861000
