An infection in your anal glands can lead to a painful abscess and fistula. Experienced colorectal surgeon Ren Yu Zhang, MD, uses the latest surgical techniques to drain abscesses and help the skin in a fistula heal. If you have anal pain, swelling, or discharge, schedule a diagnostic evaluation for an abscess and fistula today. You can call the office in Las Vegas, Nevada, or book an appointment online.
An abscess and fistula are conditions that affect the anus. Both conditions can cause discomfort or pain.
An abscess is a pus-filled cavity that forms near the anus or rectum due to clogged anal glands.
Feces and bacteria can clog the glands. People who have diabetes, Crohn’s disease, or inflammatory bowel disease are at increased risk for anal abscesses.
A fistula is a small tunnel that travels from an opening inside the anal canal to an outside opening in the skin near the anus.
Fistulas can form because of an abscess or from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), trauma, or conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms of an anal abscess and fistula are similar. With either condition, you may experience pain, redness, and swelling in the area around your anus. You may also feel tired or develop a fever and chills.
Anal fistulas can also cause drainage from the opening near the anus. If you have a fistula, you may notice that the same symptoms keep recurring every few weeks.
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at the office of Ren Yu Zhang, MD. Dr. Zhang can physically examine the tissue surrounding your anus. He may also request an ultrasound or other imaging test to determine the depth of the abscess or fistula.
In most cases, you need a surgical procedure to drain an abscess. Dr. Zhang makes a small incision in the skin near your anus to drain the pus.
Outpatient surgery is often possible, but if you have diabetes or a severe infection, you may need general anesthesia so Dr. Zhang can perform a more complex surgery.
If you have an anal fistula, you may need another type of surgery. Dr. Zhang performs fistulotomy, a procedure to open the fistula track so your skin can heal. If part of the track involves the sphincter muscle in your anus, you may need a different type of surgery.
Even with treatment, abscesses and fistulas can return. Dr. Zhang can discuss the need for additional surgeries at that time to help you find relief from your symptoms.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of an abscess or fistula, call the office of Ren Yu Zhang, MD, today or book a consultation online.