Fortunately, because anal abscesses are frequently caused by infection, they are often treated with a simple regimen of antibiotics or other medication. In these cases, our patients are encouraged to get regular checkups to ensure the abscess hasn’t advanced or turned into an anal fistula.

In cases that don’t respond to antibiotics or less invasive methods, surgery may be required. The purpose of surgery is to drain pus from the anal abscess. This is done with a small incision close to the abscess. During anal abscess surgery, your colorectal surgeon will examine the area for any other lesions that may need attention. Additionally, the drained pus is frequently studied in a lab to determine what type of bacteria caused the infection.

While the first priority is healing the abscess, a secondary priority is ensuring there is no recurrence. The colorectal surgeons at the Colorectal Center Los Angeles take every precaution to help you prevent anal abscesses from occurring again.

Once the procedure is complete, the incision is not closed. This is because it must heal from the inside out, otherwise the anal abscess may remain. In the interest of healing properly, your surgeon may pack the incision with sterile gauze or other material to make sure the bottom of the incision heals first.

Anal abscess surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. The procedure takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The recovery period after anal abscess treatment surgery is brief, only lasting about one week. During this time, we recommend you take a series of warm baths to sooth the incision site. Additionally, we will prescribe antibiotic therapy to prevent infection, as well as pain therapy to manage discomfort. At any point after your surgery, we are at your disposal. If you have any questions or worries that arise, don’t hesitate to call us. Our first concern is your well-being, and this applies indefinitely.