Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

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Anorectal Abscess 

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket caused by infection. An anorectal abscess forms near the anus or rectum, the final part of the digestive tract. This happens when glands in the anus become infected, leading to an abscess. Common causes of this include blocked glands, an anal fissure, STDs, and trauma.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an anorectal abscess include: 

  • Swelling or a lump around the anus
  • Anus pain
  • Constipation
  • Pus from the rectum
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Chills

Treatments

With an anorectal abscess, you'll usually need surgery to drain the abscess. This is usually done as outpatient surgery with local anesthesia and sedation. During surgery, your doctor will cut open the abscess and drain the pus.

Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics and painkillers after your surgery, to help with recovery and clear up any infection that caused the abscess.

Risk Factors

Your risk of an anorectal abscess increases if you:

  • Are male
  • Have anal sex
  • Have taken chemotherapy
  • Use corticosteroids
  • Have diabetes
  • Have inflammatory bowel disease

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

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Colon and Rectal Surgery

BMC’s colorectal surgeons offer cutting-edge surgical treatments for conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, in coordinating with other specialists.