Perianal Abscess - Children's Hospital Boston

Perianal Abscess
What is a Perianal Abscess?
A perianal abscess is a collection of pus next
to the anal opening (Figure 1). There are
small glands and ducts surrounding the anus
that secrete mucus. The mucus helps to
lubricate the rectum, which makes it easier to
pass stool (poop). These glands can become
blocked, allowing bacteria to grow and
infection to occur. It can then lead to an
abscess. This condition is common among
infants, particularly in boys.
Figure 1:
Anal Valve with
Abscess
What are some common signs and
symptoms?
A raised, red area may be noted near the
anus.
You may or may not notice a small white
area in the center of the red area, similar
to a pimple.
There may be yellow drainage, or pus,
from the area.
Your child might seem uncomfortable when
the area is touched.
Fever may occur.
What is the treatment?
Your child’s pediatrician may start him/her
on antibiotics and recommend warm soaks
or frequent baths.
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2012 All rights reserved. Publication Date 6/7/12
page 1 of 2 #161088
If the antibiotics and baths do not help, the
pediatrician might refer your child to a
surgeon for further treatment. This may
involve opening and draining the abscess
to allow the infection and pus to drain out.
There are different ways to do this which
your child’s surgeon will discuss with you.
What happens after the abscess is
drained?
Usually, the wound is allowed to drain on its
own into a small piece of gauze, or directly
into the diaper. Aside from warm baths,
there is no other special treatment needed.
The surgeon may want to see your child back
in a week or so to be sure the abscess is
healing well.
Are there any complications?
Usually there are no complications after the
abscess is drained. However, there is a
chance that the abscess will recur. The
abscess will often drain by itself. With careful
hygiene to the area and warm baths, the area
should heal completely. Occasionally,
antibiotics are used as well.
Figure 2:
Anal Valve with Fistula
Sometimes the area does not heal and
continues to drain. This is called a fistula in
ano (Figure 2). This may eventually heal
without further intervention, but your child’s
surgeon may discuss an additional procedure

Family Education Sheet • Perianal Abscess
with you, which is done to open the fistula
site to help it heal. This procedure is usually
done in the operating room under general
anesthesia.
If my child needs surgery, what
happens on the day of surgery?
General anesthesia is used. Most children go
home the same day as surgery. However,
some children need to spend a night in the
hospital for observation.
You will meet both the surgeon and the
anesthesia doctor on the day of surgery.
After surgery, your child will stay in the Day
Surgery Unit until he/she is ready to go
home. To go home, your child must be alert
and able to take fluids. Parents are welcome
to stay with their child during this time.
What happens after the surgery?
Your child’s surgeon will give specific
instructions regarding care of the wound.
Pain medicine may be prescribed. It is
important to give the medicine as
prescribed by your doctor and nurse.
Please ask your child’s doctor, nurse, nurse
practitioner or pharmacist to explain any
instructions that you do not understand.
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2012 All rights reserved. Publication Date 6/7/12
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Your child’s surgeon will let you know
when he/she would like to see your child
for follow-up.
There usually are no restrictions on activity
after this surgery.
When to call
Call your doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner
if you see or note the following:
Increased redness, swelling or tenderness
around the incision site;
Fever greater than 101° F;
Pain that is not helped by prescribed
medication.
Numbers to Call
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 5:00pm
Evenings, Nights,
Weekends, and
Holidays
(617) 355-7780
Page Operator:
(617) 355-6369
Ask for the surgeon
on-call.
A Spanish version of this education sheet is
available from your provider.