Proctology
Anal/Anorectal Abscess
Fast, expert care for painful anal infections is necessary to prevent further complications.
Anal or anorectal abscesses are common but often extremely uncomfortable conditions. With the right diagnosis and timely treatment, recovery is usually quick, and our specialists at Mubadala Health Dubai are here to help you heal safely and comfortably.
We provide minimally invasive procedures, expert surgical care, and personalized treatment plans to relieve pain, prevent complications, and restore your quality of life.
What Is an Anal Abscess?
An anal/anorectal abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms near the anus or rectum. It happens when a gland becomes blocked or infected, often due to bacteria. Depending on the spread, it may extend into deeper spaces like ischiorectal or horseshoe configurations.
Anal or anorectal abscess: it is an acute inflammatory event 90% arising from non-specific so called “cryptoglandular” infection of the anus or rectum. When the anal glands and ducts are getting obstructed, it will result stasis, infection and formation of abscess.
Persistence of a track between the crypt and the duct may result anal fistula formation. By anatomic location the abscess may be perianal, intersphincteric, submucosal, ischioanal, ischiorectal or supralevator. In compelx cases it might form a “horseshoe” abscess.
Factors may predispose (cause) abscess: diarrhea, trauma, hard stool, Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases, foreign body, episiotomy at childbirth, malignancy.
Common Symptoms
• Severe, throbbing pain around the anus
• Swelling, redness, or a warm lump
• Fever, chills
• Pain that worsens when sitting or moving
• Possible drainage of pus
• Bleeding or bloody discharge
• Pelvic or gluteal pain
• Dysuria
• Urinary retention
Anal/anorectal abscesses do not improve on their own and usually require surgical drainage to prevent complications such as fistula formation.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical care immediately if you have:
• Severe or worsening pain
• Fever
• Swelling near the anus or tailbone
• Any pus or fluid drainage
• Bleeding or bloody discharge
• Difficulty sitting or performing daily activities
Early treatment prevents long-term complications and supports faster healing.
How Do We Diagnose Anal Conditions?
Management of anal abscess should be tailored to the individual clinical presentation. Our specialists begin with:
• A gentle, thorough examination
• Assessment of pain, swelling, and drainage
• Ultrasound or other imaging when necessary
• Identification of underlying causes
Diagnosis is quick, respectful, and private, ensuring your comfort throughout the visit.
Treatment Options at Mubadala Health Dubai
We offer advanced, minimally invasive and surgical options tailored to your condition and symptoms.
Anal Abscess Treatment
Incision & Drainage, or Imaging-guided abscess aspiration
The standard treatment is to drain the pus collection under anesthesia. This immediately relieves pain and prevents the spread of the infection and other complications. Sometimes it is possible to perform ultrasound-guided aspiration of the abscess, depending on the clinical condition. Strict wound care will be necessary postoperatively according to the Surgeon’s instructions.
Antibiotics
Prescribed by the Surgeon and based on the wound culture results.
Fistula Evaluation & Treatment
Up to 50% of abscesses may lead to anal fistula formation. Pelvic MRI with anal contrast will be done to evaluate the extent, complexity and type of anal fistula. Based on the clinical and radiology assessment our specialists offer:
• Anal fistulectomy with laser treatment
• LIFT procedure
• Seton insertion, etc.
