403 408 9998

Phone

Location

Rockview Health Centre - Building 1, Calgary

Book an Appointment

403 408 9998

Phone

Location

Rockyview Health Centre – Building 1, Calgary

Book an Appointment
Conditions We Assess

Anal Abscess & Fistula

Assessment & Treatment for Selected Perianal Abscesses and Anal Fistulas in Calgary.

Painful swelling, tenderness, drainage, or a recurring opening near the anus may be caused by a perianal abscess or anal fistula.

At AC Hemorrhoids & Anorectal Centre, we provide focused anorectal assessment for these symptoms and treatment of selected uncomplicated perianal abscesses and superficial fistulas in an outpatient clinic setting.

  • No referral required
  • Private & confidential
  • Seen within 0–3 days
  • Focused anorectal assessment
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Call 403 408 9998

⚠️ Not Sure What Your Symptoms Mean?

Different conditions may present with similar symptoms. Self-diagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment or delayed care.

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What Is an Anal Abscess?

An anal abscess is a localized collection of infected fluid or pus that develops in the tissues around the anus. It usually occurs when a small anal gland becomes blocked and infected.

Things to know about an anal abscess :

  • Painful swelling, tenderness, or drainage of pus or fluid may occur
  • Anal abscesses can develop in different locations and depths around the anus and rectum
  • An anal abscess may be associated with an underlying anal fistula
  • Drainage of the abscess alone may not prevent recurrence if an underlying fistula remains
  • Antibiotics alone usually do not cure an established abscess that requires drainage
  • Delaying assessment may allow the infection to become larger, deeper, or more painful
  • Some abscesses may drain spontaneously, but persistent or recurrent symptoms still require assessment

What Is an Anal Fistula?

An anal fistula is an abnormal tract or tunnel that connects the anal canal to the skin near the anus. Many anal fistulas develop after a previous anorectal abscess.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pus, blood, or clear fluid draining from a small opening near the anus
  • Recurrent swelling or abscess formation in the same location
  • Cycles of swelling followed by drainage and temporary improvement
  • Bleeding that may occur without significant pain
  • Irritation, itching, or soreness of the surrounding skin
  • A small persistent opening near the anus
  • A fistula that appears simple externally but may extend deeper beneath the skin
  • Pain or tenderness around the affected area

Simple vs Complex Anal Fistula

Anal fistulas can vary significantly in depth and anatomy. Perianal ultrasound, pelvic MRI, or other specialized imaging may be recommended to further evaluate the fistula tract and confirm the diagnosis.

A superficial subcutaneous fistula is a tract located close to the skin with no meaningful sphincter involvement. Selected cases may be suitable for clinic-based treatment

More complex fistulas may include:

  • A fistula tract that travels deeply through or involves the anal sphincter muscles
  • Multiple branches or secondary fistula tracts
  • Several external openings
  • Recurrent fistula or repeated abscess formation
  • Fistula associated with inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
  • Previous fistula surgery or previous unsuccessful treatment
  • Fistula extending deeper or higher into the anorectal or pelvic region
Perianal abscess and anal fistula illustration
Assessment

Treatment for Perianal Abscess

Treatment depends on the size, location, severity, and clinical findings. For a selected superficial perianal abscess, treatment may include:

  • Clinical assessment
  • Local anesthesia
  • Incision and drainage
  • Wound care instructions
  • Follow-up wound assessment
  • Monitoring for persistent drainage or fistula formation
  • Antibiotics alone do not necessarily eliminate an abscess that requires drainage
Treatment

Treatment for Superficial Subcutaneous Anal Fistulas

These fistulas are located close to the skin and have no meaningful involvement of the anal sphincter muscles. Suitability for treatment is determined after clinical assessment and, when needed, review of imaging.

Treatment planning may include：

  • Clinical examination
  • Identification of the external opening
  • Assessment of the suspected superficial tract
  • Review of ultrasound or MRI findings when available
  • Clinic-based minor procedural treatment

Frequently Asked Questions About Anal Abscess & Fistula

Can an anal abscess go away on its own?

An abscess may occasionally drain spontaneously and temporarily feel better. However, an underlying infection or fistula tract may remain, so persistent or recurrent symptoms should be assessed.

No. Some abscesses resolve after appropriate treatment, while others may subsequently develop a persistent fistula tract.

Recurrent swelling followed by drainage may indicate that a persistent fistula tract remains beneath the skin.

Antibiotics may be appropriate in selected circumstances, but an established collection of pus frequently requires drainage. Treatment depends on the clinical findings.

No. Only appropriately selected superficial fistulas may be suitable for clinic-based treatment. Deeper or more complex fistulas generally require specialist surgical assessment.

If you are experiencing drainage, bleeding, itching, pain, or other anorectal symptoms

A proper assessment can help identify the cause and guide the next steps.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Call 403 408 9998