A perianal abscess is a painful, pus-filled infection of the tissues surrounding the anus that requires urgent surgical treatment — incision and drainage. If left untreated, it may lead to the formation of an anal fistula or the spread of infection. At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk, we provide prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Reception: Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Gdańsk, 15 Toruńska Street.
| What it is | a pus-filled infection of the tissues around the anus |
| Symptoms | severe pain, swelling, redness, fever |
| Treatment | urgent incision and drainage |
| Urgency | do not delay — risk of complications |
| Possible complication | anal fistula |
The most common symptoms include increasing, severe pain around the anus, swelling and redness, a painful lump and a sensation of pressure. Fever and general weakness may also occur. The symptoms usually worsen quickly, over the course of several days.
If the pain is accompanied by a high fever, rapidly spreading redness or swelling, deterioration in general condition, chills or altered consciousness, you should immediately attend a surgical emergency department or call for emergency assistance. These symptoms may indicate a spreading infection requiring urgent intervention.
The primary treatment for an abscess is incision and drainage — removal of the pus, which usually provides rapid pain relief. Antibiotic treatment alone is generally insufficient to cure an abscess and does not replace the procedure. The incision is performed under anaesthesia. Proper wound care and regular follow-up appointments are important after the procedure.
A perianal abscess and an anal fistula are often two stages of the same disease process. In some patients, a fistula remains after the abscess has healed and requires separate surgical treatment. For this reason, follow-up appointments after abscess treatment are important: they make it possible to detect a fistula at an early stage and plan further management.
The diagnosis of an abscess is based on a proctology consultation and an examination of the anal area. If necessary, the diagnostic process may be supplemented with anoscopy or imaging examinations. Similar symptoms may be caused by other conditions affecting this area, so an assessment by a specialist is necessary to establish the correct diagnosis.
A proctologist and surgeon specialising in the treatment of proctological conditions, including perianal abscesses and anal fistulas.
A proctologist and surgeon experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the anus and rectum.
A surgeon whose practice includes proctology and the treatment of abscesses and fistulas in the anal area.
A surgeon and specialist in oncological surgery who provides proctology consultations and procedures.
A perianal abscess requires urgent medical assessment and surgical treatment
Gdańsk, 15 Toruńska Street · Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
An abscess usually does not resolve on its own and requires incision and drainage. Antibiotic treatment alone is rarely sufficient as the sole form of treatment. Delaying treatment is associated with a risk of spreading infection or fistula formation. Early intervention is generally a simpler and more effective form of treatment.
An untreated abscess may cause the infection to spread into the surrounding tissues, lead to the formation of an anal fistula requiring separate surgical treatment and, in rare but serious cases, result in infection of deeper spaces. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications.
Incision and drainage are performed under anaesthesia, which makes the procedure generally well tolerated. Removing the pus usually provides immediate relief from the painful pressure caused by the abscess.
In some patients, an anal fistula remains after the abscess has healed and requires separate surgical treatment. Follow-up appointments are therefore recommended after the procedure to detect a possible fistula and plan further management. Read more: anal fistula treatment →
If the pain is accompanied by a high fever, very rapid progression of swelling and redness, chills, deterioration in general condition or any worrying symptom suggesting that the infection is spreading, you should immediately attend a surgical emergency department or hospital emergency department. A scheduled consultation is appropriate for patients with pain and swelling but without symptoms of a systemic infection.
Regular wound care in accordance with the doctor’s instructions is necessary after the procedure. The wound is usually left open after the abscess has been incised to allow continued drainage. Healing time depends on the extent of the abscess and the patient’s individual recovery. The doctor provides detailed post-procedure instructions during the follow-up appointment.
The most common complication of an abscess — surgical treatment.
Details →Medical history, examination and diagnosis — the first step in treatment.
Details →Endoscopic examination of the anal canal — supplementary diagnostic testing.
Details →Another common proctological condition requiring assessment.
Details →Sara Godyńska · Justyna Szul · Kamil Smok · Piotr Rak, MD, PhD
Gdańsk, 15 Toruńska Street · Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. · tel. +48 600 006 913
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. A perianal abscess requires urgent medical assessment — do not delay contacting a doctor if symptoms are worsening. If fever and rapidly spreading infection occur, attend a surgical emergency department. Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, 15 Toruńska Street, unit AU1, Gdańsk. Tel.: +48 600 006 913.
```