Most perirectal abscesses stem from an infected anal gland. Obstruction of these glands causes stasis, bacterial overgrowth, and ultimately abscesses that are located in the intersphincteric groove.

These abscesses have several mechanisms of empty pus. The most common ones include the downward extension to the anoderm (perianal abscess) or across the external sphincter into the ischiorectal fossa (ischiorectal fossa abscess). Less common routes of spread are superiorly up the intersphincteric groove to the supralevator space or in the submucosal plane.

When the abscess is drained, the persistence of the local infection may precipitate fistulas.

Approximately 10% of perirectal abscesses are thought not to be due to infected anal glands but to be a consequence of more specific causes, such as Crohn’s disease, trauma, human immunodeficiency virus, sexually transmitted diseases, radiation therapy, or foreign body. These abscesses occur twice as often in males compared to females. They also become more common in middle age individuals.

Anal abscesses can recur, especially if underlying risk factors or conditions are not adequately managed. Luckily, Guoyi Proctology Therapy resolves the short-term healing and long-term reoccurrence.