abscess and fistula expanded information _ ascrs.pdf
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Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-ex...
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Michael Buckmire, MD, FACS, FASCRS
WHAT IS AN ANAL ABSCESS OR FISTULA?
An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum. Ninety percent ofabscesses 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 orrectum, 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 analabscess. This occurs in up to 50% of patients with abscesses. Normal anatomy includes small glandsjust inside the anus. The fistula is the tunnel that forms under the skin and connects the cloggedinfected glands to an abscess. A fistula can be present with or without an abscess and may connect justto the skin of the buttocks near the anal opening.
CLASSIFICATION
Anal abscesses are classified by their location in relation to the structures comprising and surroundingthe anus and rectum: perianal, ischioanal, intersphincteric and supralevator. The perianal area is themost frequent and the supralevator the least. If any of these particular types of abscess spreads partiallycircumferentially around the anus or the rectum, it is termed a horseshoe abscess.
Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-ex...
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The information presented on The American Society of Colon andRectal Surgeons (ASCRS) website is solely intended to provide youwith information that will help educate you on various conditions. Noinformation provided on this website or otherwise offered by ASCRSis intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your healthcare professional.
Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-ex...
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Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-ex...
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Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-ex...
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Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-ex...
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Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-ex...
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