How painful is surgery for perianal abscess?

The pain of perianal abscess surgery varies from person to person, but anesthesia is often used to reduce the pain. The surgery itself is usually not painful, and the postoperative recovery period is the main stage in which pain is felt.

Perianal abscess is a collection of pus around the anus due to infection. Its main symptoms include local swelling, redness, heat and pain, and in severe cases, it may be accompanied by a fever. Since the abscess is often adjacent to the anal area where nerves are densely distributed, timely surgical drainage is the main treatment method to avoid the spread of infection or the formation of complex fistulas.

Local or general anesthesia is usually used during surgery so that the patient does not feel pain. The pain during the postoperative recovery period varies depending on individual differences, the size of the abscess, and the degree of infection. Mild cases only feel local distension and pain, while more severe cases may experience stronger pain. During recovery, you may feel temporary discomfort when cleaning the wound, changing the dressing, and defecating. In particular, feces passing through the wound can cause irritation, but the pain can usually be gradually relieved through doctor-guided sitz baths and dietary adjustments to soften the stool.

Postoperative care is crucial. Eating a light diet, drinking plenty of water, and keeping the wound clean can help reduce pain. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, get more rest, and follow the doctor's instructions for dressing changes and care. Preventing infection is a key part of the recovery process. If the pain is severe or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, timely communication and reexamination should be conducted to rule out the possibility of recurrence or other complications.