A perianal abscess is a common septic condition of the perianal region.
Symptoms:
• Perianal pain
• Erythema and swelling in the perianal area
• Fever, often high and persistent
• Discharge of seropurulent fluid (in cases of spontaneous abscess drainage)
Perianal abscesses may coexist with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease.
Their aetiology is largely unknown. In many cases, they progress to the formation of perianal fistulae.
Treatment / Management: Surgical only.
Depending on the case:
• Local anaesthesia for small abscesses when tolerated by the patient, or
• Regional or general anaesthesia for incision and drainage of the abscess.
Adequate and appropriate drainage is essential for proper healing.
It is advisable not to perform simultaneous exploration for perianal fistulous tracts or attempt their treatment during the same procedure, in order to avoid injury to healthy tissues.
Evaluation for the presence of perianal fistulae is best performed subsequently, once an MRI of the region has been obtained.
