Fistulas & Fissures

Anal Abscess / Fistula

An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus (the opening of the anal canal). Symptoms of an abscess include constant pain and swelling. Other possible symptoms include fever, feeling poorly, and drainage of pus. Draining the pus from the infected cavity by making an incision treats the abscess. Often, this can be done in our office using a local anesthetic. A large or deep abscess might need to be drained in the operating room. Sometimes a small catheter remains in the incision for several days to assure adequate drainage. Antibiotics alone are not an alternative to draining the pus. A fistula will form in about 50 percent of all abscess cases.

An anal fistula is usually the result of a previous abscess and is a persistent abnormal passage or tunnel between the interior of the anal canal or rectum and the skin surface where the abscess drained. If the outside opening of the tunnel heals, recurrent abscesses develop. Surgery is necessary to cure an anal fistula. While some fistulas are simple to treat, others require special attention to limit any damage to the sphincter muscles. A complicated fistula may require repair using a flap of tissue or the use of a newer product called Surgsis® AFP™ Anal Fistula Plug.

Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining the anus, which can cause pain and/or bleeding. The pain typically is sharp and is worse with bowel movements. The most common cause is a hard, dry bowel movement. Other causes of a fissure include diarrhea and inflammation of the anorectal area. Anal fissures may be acute (recent onset) or chronic (present for a long time or recurring frequently). Spasm of the anal sphincter muscles contributes to the pain and hinders healing. Over 90% of acute fissures managed with non-operative treatments will heal without surgery. Chronic fissures more frequently require surgery where a small portion of the sphincter muscle is cut to relieve the spasm and allow healing. Botox injection in some cases is an option to aide in healing.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, call 1-877-ASK-TCRS or the TCRS office nearest you for a personal consultation with one of our specialists.