Perianal abscesses

• Authorization should be obtained prior to surgery and will be done by the hospital or the rooms staff depending on whether you are an in- or outpatient.

• Make sure that you have been fasting for solid foods for at least 6 hours prior to your surgery and for clear liquids or water for at least 2 hours prior to your surgery. Discuss your chronic medications with your doctor or hospital staff prior to your surgery as you usually are allowed to take chronic medications the day of surgery, barring diabetic medication the day of the procedure. If you are taking any blood thinning medication please discuss these in detail with your doctor as special arrangements need to be made for these.

You will be admitted to hospital or day theatre. The procedure is usually performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. After surgery, you will be monitored in recovery before discharge or transfer to the ward.

Treatment usually requires surgical drainage. An incision is made over the abscess to allow the infected material to drain. The cavity is cleaned and irrigated thoroughly.

The wound is usually left open to heal from the inside out. A dressing or antimicrobial packing may be placed temporarily. In some cases, a drain may be inserted.

If a fistula is identified during surgery, further treatment may be planned at a later stage.

The procedure usually takes 20–45 minutes.

• Possible complications include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, recurrence of the abscess, fistula formation, pain, scarring, and unintended damage to surrounding structures.

• ​Most patients are discharged on the same day, although larger abscesses or severe infections may require an overnight stay or longer admission.