An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum. Ninety percent of abscesses are the result of an acute infection in the internal glands of the anus. Occasionally, bacteria, fecal material or foreign matter can clog an anal gland and tunnel into the tissue around the anus or rectum, where it may then collect in a cavity called an abscess. An anal fistula also commonly called fistula-in-ano is frequently the result of a previous or current anal abscess. Normal anatomy includes small glands just inside the anus. Fistula is a tunnel that connects a clogged gland inside the anal canal to the outside skin.
You may be worried about having a bowel movement after your surgery. You will likely have some pain and bleeding with bowel movements for the first 1 to 2 weeks. You can make your bowel movements less painful by getting enough fibre and fluids, and using stool softeners or laxatives. Sitting in warm water sitz bath after bowel movements will also help. You may notice a small amount of pus or blood draining from the opening of your fistula.
Anal Fistulas are tracks that develop, frequently as the result of an infection, in the layers of the muscle or in fatty layers of tissue involving the area of the anus. Anal Fistulas may increase in size, track through long areas of tissue, forge an outlet and opening into the perineum the area between the anus and the urinary opening , and become infected. They can be very painful and require draining and a process of closure over a period of time. Surgery for Anal Fistulas may involve draining any infection.
An anal fistula is an abnormal connection between the anus and the skin. On the surface of the skin around the anus, one or more 'holes' might be evident: these are the external openings of thin passages that tunnel down towards the anal canal. An anal fistula is usually the result of a previous abscess in the area, which has been drained of pus but does not fully heal.