Rectal Abscess
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
A rectal abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms in your rectum. The abscess is caused by a bacterial infection.
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Medicines:
- Antibiotics may be given to fight a bacterial infection.
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until your pain is severe to ask for more medicine.
- Bowel movement softeners may be given to help prevent straining when you have a bowel movement.
Tests:
- Blood tests may show signs of a bacterial infection or other cause of the abscess.
- A manual rectal exam is done so your provider can feel for lumps or other problems. Your provider will insert a gloved finger into your rectum through your anus.
- Anoscopy is a procedure used to examine your rectum. Your provider will insert an anoscope (speculum) into your rectum. A tissue sample may be taken to be tested.
- CT, MRI, or ultrasound pictures may show the abscess. The pictures may also show damage to the rectum.
Treatment:
- Incision and drainage is a procedure used to help pus and fluid drain from the abscess. If the abscess is not severe, you may get local anesthesia to numb the area. You will be awake during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain. If your abscess is deeper into the lining, you may need general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain.
- Surgery may be needed to repair damage to your rectum or a fistula (tear in the lining of your rectum).
- Sitz baths may help reduce pain after the abscess is drained or you have surgery. A sitz bath is a portable tub that fits into the toilet basin. You will stay in the sitz bath or tub for 15 to 20 minutes.
RISKS:
You may develop a fistula (tear in the lining of your rectum). In women, the fistula may create a tunnel between the rectum and vagina. You may have trouble controlling bowel movements. You may develop another abscess, even after treatment. You may also develop a life-threatening infection that leads to tissue death or sepsis (blood infection).
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You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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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