My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

Is there a specific doctor that I need to see for an anal abcess?

Related Topics: Anus, Vision
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (2)

Rod Moser, PA, PhDRod Moser, PA, PhDSUCCESS!
Rod Moser, PA, PhD
Primary Care
1,581 Answers
8,362 Helpful Votes
145 Followers
A.
That would be a proctologist (a colo-rectal surgeon). In some areas, a gastroenterologist or general surgeon may do this type of procedure. An anal abscess can be a simple drainage procedure, or a more involved surgical removal, so finding the most skilled specialist is important.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

1 of 1 found this helpful
Ann W. Edmundson, MDAnn W. Edmundson, MDSUCCESS!
Ann W. Edmundson, MD
Internal Medicine and Endocrinology
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Diabetes Association,
41 Answers
1,061 Helpful Votes
21 Followers
A.

A general or rectal surgeon is the appropriate physician to see for treatment of an anal abscess.

An abscess is a collection of pus.  An anal abscess may develop in the deep tissues surrounding the anus or be more shallow under the skin. They both require immediate treatment to lance the abscess and let it drain. Therefore it is important that you see a surgeon. A general practitioner may be able to take care of a small abscess in the office. Antibiotics alone usually cannot treat the problem. 

Without proper treatment, an abscess can cause a widespread infection (septicemia). You are more likely to get an anal abscess if you have diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s, engage in anal sex, or have an impaired immune system such as from AIDS or  chemotherapy.

If you have recurrent anal abscesses and there is no clear explanation for their cause, a consultation with a physician who specializes in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroenterologist) may be appropriate.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

 
 
2 Answers

Next Question:

If I have an anal fissure, should I see a Gastroenterologist instead of a General Practice doctor? Next Question