1. Definition and meaning
An infected cavity that is filled with pus and is found near the anus or rectum is known as anal abscess. Nearly 90% of abscesses are caused due to acute infection in the internal glands of the anus. This infection takes place when the bacteria, faecal material or foreign matter clogs an anal gland and tunnel into the tissue around the anus or rectum, where it may get collected in a cavity called an abscess.
On the other hand, an anal fistula is the result of a previous or current anal abscess. This is most prevalent in the people who are suffering or have suffered from an abscess. The fistula is actually a tunnel-shaped tube-like structure that is formed under the skin and connects the clogged infected glands to an abscess. However, it can be present with or without an abscess and may connect just to the skin of the buttocks near the anal opening.
2. Classification
Anal abscesses are generally identified by their location in relation to the shape and structures comprising or surrounding the anus and rectum: perianal, ischioanal, intersphincteric and supralevator. In all, the perianal area is the most frequent and the supralevator is the least.
In anal fistula the classification happens by their relationship to parts of the anal sphincter complex (the muscles that allow us to control our stool). They are further classified as intersphincteric, transsphincteric, suprasphincteric and extrasphincteric. The intersphincteric is the most common while extrasphincteric is the least common. These classifications enable the surgeons to make the treatment decisions. People suffering from the anal fistula can get treated in the specialised centre of treatment offered by top hospitals and the treatment procedure is executed by a team of fistula doctors in Delhi.
3. Signs and symptoms
The most common symptoms of anal abscess are:
- Anorectal pain
- Swelling
- Perianal cellulitis i.e. causing redness of the skin
- High fever
In some cases, rectal bleeding or urinary symptoms, such as trouble initiating a urinary stream or painful urination, can also be present.
Some alarming signs of anal fistula:
- History of anal abscess
- Anorectal pain
- Drainage from the perianal skin
- Rectal bleeding
4. Diagnosis
How to confirm whether I have an anal abscess or not?
In order to know whether you are suffering from an anal abscess or not the doctor often ask about your past medical history and also a careful history regarding anorectal symptoms is necessary. This is then followed by a physical examination and some blood tests. However, most abscesses are visible on the outside of the skin around the anus, it is important to recognize that there may be no external manifestation of an abscess, other than a complaint of rectal pain.
How to know if I am having an anal fistula?
Usually, a sample of an external opening that drains pus, blood or stool is examined when diagnosing an anal fistula. So, a heaped-up tissue at the external opening suggests a well-established fistula. Some fistulas will close spontaneously and the drainage may be intermittent, making them hard to identify at the time of the medical visit.
There are very minor differences between an Anal abscess and anal fistula nor their treatments differs a lot but it is imperative to have the right diagnosis thus, leading to the right treatment. The best surgeons often take care of all right from the diagnosis to the surgical treatment opted by the patient
5. Treatment
The ultimate treatment of an anal abscess is surgical drainage. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the anus to drain the infection. Anaesthesia may be given and one may require hospitalization if the infection is significant, such as diabetics or patients with decreased immunity.
Treating an anal fistula may be a little difficult as currently there is no medical treatment available for this problem and surgery is almost always necessary to cure an anal fistula.
However, due to the sea change in the technology, these kinds of surgeries have become less painful and but in order to get the desired results, it is imperative to get treated by the best fistula surgeons in Delhi. This region always offers a list full of good options.