Anorectal Abscess

Diagnosis

Superficial abscesses, located around the anus or in the space between the anus and ischium (part of the hip bone) can usually be detected with a visual and digital (gloved finger) examination.

Abscesses deeper inside the body can cause severe pain and a patient may be given general anesthesia for the examination. Abscesses located up the anal canal, nearer the abdominal cavity, can be difficult to diagnose because they can mimic abscesses caused by diverticulitis or Crohn's disease. In these cases, doctors might use an ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan.

After the abscess has been drained, doctors might use other tools to check for other disorders:

• Proctoscopy to examine the anal canal, rectum and lower portion of the colon
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy a thin tube with a lighted camera inside the tip to view the lining of the rectum and sigmoid colon