What are the factors related to the complications of perianal abscess?

The complications of perianal abscess are related to multiple factors such as the spread of infection, tissue damage, and low immune function. This is a common but not negligible anorectal disease. If not treated in time, it may lead to serious consequences such as fistula formation and sepsis. Factors that cause complications include the patient's immune status, the degree of infection spread, and improper treatment. Early detection and effective treatment are the key to avoiding complications.

1. Spread of infection

The most common complications of perianal abscesses are caused by the spread of infection. If the abscess is not discharged in time or is not treated thoroughly, the bacteria may further invade the surrounding fat tissue, leading to the risk of diffuse cellulitis, pelvic infection, etc. The spread of infection may also cause acute inflammation in other parts of the body, and even systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). It is recommended to actively treat the abscess in the early stage of formation, such as completely draining the pus through incision and drainage, combined with appropriate anti-infection treatment, such as the use of oral or intravenous antibiotics. Commonly used drugs include cephalosporins, penicillins or metronidazole, etc., and the drugs need to be adjusted according to the type of infection.

2. Fistula formation

Untreated or incompletely treated perianal abscesses can easily lead to the formation of anal fistulas. Pus continues to erode the anal canal tissue, leading to the formation of sinus tracts, which further evolve into complex anal fistulas. This not only increases the difficulty of treatment, but may also cause repeated infections. Once it is suspected that a perianal abscess has developed into anal fistula, the extent of the lesion should be determined by anoscopy or ultrasound angiography, and surgical treatment, such as fistulectomy, thread hanging therapy, etc., should be performed to completely remove the diseased tissue.

3. Weak immune function

People with low immunity, such as the elderly, diabetics, and those undergoing chemotherapy, are very likely to develop complications from perianal abscesses. The wound recovery ability of these patients is poor, infection control is more difficult, and abscesses are prone to recurrence and difficult to heal. Patients are advised to increase their nutritional intake and improve their immunity, such as consuming more foods rich in vitamin C (such as citrus, strawberries) and high-protein foods (such as lean meat, fish). For diabetic patients, it is particularly important to control blood sugar levels. Regular follow-up should be performed after surgery to prevent occult pus accumulation.

4. Improper or delayed treatment

Failure to treat in time or misdiagnosis is an important cause of complications of perianal abscess. Irregular treatment may cause the abscess to recur or even spread to deeper tissue layers, endangering the urogenital tract or abdominal cavity. For early patients with perianal abscess, they should try to choose experienced anorectal doctors for diagnosis and treatment to avoid self-drainage or treatment in non-medical institutions.

In order to prevent perianal abscess from developing into serious complications, early diagnosis and timely and regular treatment are crucial. You should also pay attention to your daily hygiene habits, such as keeping the perianal area clean and dry, and preventing constipation and diarrhea. Especially for people with a history of perianal diseases, you should have regular physical examinations and symptomatic treatment. If symptoms of abscess have already appeared, you should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Through scientific treatment and good lifestyle management, most perianal abscesses and their complications can be effectively controlled.