How are an anorectal abscess and anal fistula treated?
You may have any of the following: • Medicines: • Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria. • Pain medicine: This medicine may be given to ease your pain. • Stool softeners: You may be given stool softeners to soften your bowel movements, making them easier to pass. • Procedures: • Incision and drainage: Your caregiver may break the abscess to drain the pus. This is done by making an incision (cut) in or near the affected area. Sometimes, a catheter (tube) may be put in place for some time to allow the remaining pus to drain. • Surgery: You may need to have surgery to drain a very large abscess. If you have a fistula, surgery may be done to open and clean up the fistula tract. This may be left open until it heals on its own. With treatment, your abscess may be cured and more serious problems may be prevented.
