Perianal abscess: Top FAQs Answered By Our Experts At Medfin

After the initial incision and drainage procedure, your wound may continue to drain for several days until the infection subsides gradually. It is important to leave the wound open and not close it with stitches. If your clothes are soiled by drainage, use sterile surgical gauze or a sanitary pad.

Abscess drainage is the most effective treatment of a perianal abscess. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under anesthesia. Usually, abscess drainage by an experienced surgeon will take not more than 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and extent of the perianal abscess. The entire abscess is drained to remove the pus and left open for further healing.

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that can be soft and tender to the touch. While hemorrhoids are hard lumps that can cause bleeding and tend to form inside the anal cavity or rectum. An abscess needs treatment, whereas hemorrhoids are swollen veins that, at times, may go away with medication. Abscess is a more serious medical condition than hemorrhoids, which can lead to complications if left untreated.

It is advisable to avoid the following foods after perianal drainage to promote healing:

• High-fat dairy products
• Fast foods 
• Spicy foods
• Foods items made up of all-purpose flour (Maida)
• Fried foods with preservatives
• Packaged and salty foods
• Alcohol and caffeinated drinks
• Red meat

Post perianal abscess drainage it is important to follow your surgeon's instructions to promote healing and prevent a recurrence. It is advisable to keep the abscess open for it to drain completely or have a catheter placed inside the wound that aids in thorough drainage. Continue the prescribed antibiotics to prevent any infections that could lead to abscess recurrence.

Small perianal abscesses can be treated without drainage through sitz baths. It is a method of submerging your anus and genital areas in warm (not hot) water with salt or any disinfection added to it. This helps the abscess to burst and facilitates pus drainage. However, the large abscess needs to be drained by a healthcare provider in a hospital setup.

Care should be taken to follow a proper diet along with rest after perianal abscess drainage. Consume foods that are soft or semi-solid in consistency that are easily digestible. Avoid high-protein diets like red meat. This helps to prevent constipation post drainage, which promotes proper healing. Because any painful bowel movement can possibly lead to abscess recurrence. Also, you can use stool softeners or laxatives, which are medications to stimulate your bowel movements.