User:Mr. Ibrahem/Anorectal abscess

An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the region of the anus or rectum. Symptoms generally include rectal pain of sudden onset. There may also be fever, drainage from the anus, and redness of the skin in the area. Complications may include an anal fistula, sepsis, fecal incontinence, urinary retention, and chronic pain.

Most cases are the result of an infection of a anal gland. Risk factors include injury, smoking, Crohn's disease, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV/AIDS. There is no relation to hygiene, anal sex, or diabetes. Types include perianal, ischiorectal, supralevator, intersphincteric, and submucosal. Diagnosis is generally by examination and occasionally medical imaging (CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound).

A perianal abscess may be simple cut open and drained, while other types generally require antibiotics and potentially surgery. After surgery laxatives, sitz baths, and pain medication are recommended. Healing can take 3 to 8 weeks. About 1 in 10,000 people are affected a year. They are most common in those in their 30s and 40s and males are three times more commonly affected than females.