1) What is an anal abscess?

An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum.

2) What causes an abscess?

An abscess results from an acute infection of a small gland just inside the anus. Cryptoglandular gland

3) What are the symptoms of an abscess?

An abscess is usually associated with symptoms of pain and swelling around the anus A patient feels ill and complains of chills, fever and pain in the rectum or anus

4) How is an abscess treated?

An abscess is treated by making an opening in the skin near the anus to drain the pus from the infected cavity After draining this pus ,there are chances that it can get converted into fistula.

5) Does an abscess always become a fistula?

No. A fistula develops in about 50 percent of all abscess cases, and there is really no way to predict if this will occur.

6) Can formation of fistula be avided during primary surgery?

Yes in expert hands, if surgeon is able to identify internal opening then primary fistulotomy can be done along with drainage of fistula.