Anorectal abscess

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Rectum

An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.

Anal abscess; Rectal abscess; Perirectal abscess; Perianal abscess; anal gland abscess; Abscess - anorectal

Common causes of anorectal abscess include:

• Blocked gland in the area
• Infection of an anal fissure
• Sexually transmitted infection

Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease.

The following factors increase your risk for an anorectal abscess:

• Anal sex
• Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer
• Diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Use of medications such as prednisone
• Weakened immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS)

The condition may occur in infants and toddlers who are still in diapers and who have a history of anal fissures.

Review Date: 09/10/2010
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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