Anorectal AbscessSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Anorectal Abscess
An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.
Anal abscess; Rectal abscess; Perirectal abscess; Perianal abscess; Gland abscess; Abscess - anorectal
Common causes of an anorectal abscess include:
- Blocked glands in the anal area
- Infection of an anal fissure
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Trauma to the anal area
Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as Crohn disease or diverticulitis.
The following factors increase the risk for an anorectal abscess:
- Anal sex
- Chemotherapy medicines used to treat cancer
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Use of corticosteroid medicines
- Weakened immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS)
The condition affects men more than women. The condition may occur in infants and toddlers who are still in diapers and who have a history of anal fissures.
Common symptoms are swelling around the anus and a constant, throbbing pain with swelling. Pain may be severe with bowel movements, coughing and sitting.
Other symptoms may include:
- Constipation
- Discharge of pus from the rectum or in the area of the anus
- Fatigue, fever, night sweats, and chills
- Redness, painful and hardened tissue in the area of the anus
- Tenderness
In infants, the abscess often appears as a swollen, red, tender lump at the edge of the anus. The infant may be fussy and irritable from discomfort. There are usually no other symptoms.
The problem rarely goes away on its own. Antibiotics alone usually cannot treat an abscess.
Treatment involves surgery to open and drain the abscess.
Surgery is usually done:
- With local numbing medicine, along with medicine to make you sleepy. Sometimes, spinal or general anesthesia is used.
- As an outpatient procedure, which means that you go home on the same day. The surgeon cuts open the abscess and drains the pus. Sometimes a drain is put in to keep the incision open and draining, and sometimes the abscess cavity is packed with gauze.
If the pus collection is deep, you may need to stay in the hospital longer for pain control and nursing care of the abscess drainage site.
After surgery, you may need warm sitz baths (sitting in a tub of warm water). This helps relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Drained abscesses are usually left open and no stitches are needed.
The surgeon may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics.
Avoiding constipation will help decrease pain. You may need stool softeners. Drinking fluids and eating foods with lots of fiber can also help.
Berks Colorectal Surgical Associates
Wayne Devos is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Dr. Devos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anorectal Abscess. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Colorectal Cancer, Levator Syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Hernia Surgery, and Hemorrhoidectomy. Dr. Devos is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.
Berks Colorectal Surgical Associates
Frank Carter is a Colorectal Surgeon and a General Surgeon practicing medicine in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Dr. Carter is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anorectal Abscess. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Hemorrhoids, Hernia Surgery, and Hemorrhoidectomy. Dr. Carter is board certified in American Board Of Colon And Rectal Surgery and American Board Of Surgery.
Advocate Illinois Masonic Digestive Health Center
Jan Kaminski is a Colorectal Surgeon practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Kaminski is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anorectal Abscess. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Anal Fissure, Cellulitis, Hemorrhoids, Colostomy, and Ileostomy. Dr. Kaminski is board certified in American Board Of Colon & Rectal Surgery.
With prompt treatment, people with this condition usually do well. Infants and toddlers usually recover quickly.
Complications can occur when treatment is delayed.
Complications of anorectal abscess may include:
- Anal fistula (abnormal connection between the anus and another structure)
- Infection that spreads to the blood (sepsis)
- Continuing pain
- Recurring abscess
Contact your health care provider if you:
- Notice rectal discharge, pain, or other symptoms of an anorectal abscess
- Have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition
- Have diabetes and your blood glucose becomes difficult to control
Prevention or prompt treatment of sexually transmitted infections may prevent an anorectal abscess from forming. Use condoms during intercourse, including anal sex, to prevent such infections.
In infants and toddlers, frequent diaper changes and proper cleaning during diaper changes can help prevent both anal fissures and abscesses.
Published Date: April 11, 2026
Published By: Ann M. Rogers, MD, FACS, Professor Emeritus, Department of Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bleier JIS, Hernandez PT, Lowenfeld L. Benign anorectal disorders. In: Tyler DS, Hayes-Dixon A, Hines OJ, et al, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 97.
Coates WC. Anorectal procedures. In: Birnbaumer DM, ed. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 46.
Madoff RD, Melton GB. Diseases of the rectum and anus. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 131.