my mom is going today to have an operation for a perianal abscess. they tried to drain it, but couldnt get all the way to it since its about 5 inches in diameter. they also said it could be cured by antibiotics and prescribed some to her. by the time she had gotten home from getting the medicine the dr called back to say they would have to do surgery instead. i am wondering why such a quick change in decision. is there potential for something else there, even if he didnt say so? what can be expected in this operation? anybody with personal experience would be greatly appreciated. i know the background info as i have googled it and read many medical articles. just looking for some more insight and possible reassurance.
thanks so much!
2007-01-26 00:50:57 · 5 answers · asked by jenivive 6 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
hi my husband to be had a perennial abscess about 4 years ago, the doctor told him that anti biotics would help, but a day later he was told that it would need surgery. at first we were worried too, but the problem with an abscess is that it is at risk of bursting and if this happens the patient is at risk of blood poisoning, and further infections. the operation is to remove all infected tissue so that they leave a clean wound. my husbands abcess before draing was the size of a light bulb but after he had a hole about the size of a UK 50p coin which was about the depth of the tip of your baby finger. he had a nurse come around every day to check the wound and to change the dressings - the wound needed to be filled to ensure it heeled from the inside out father than the skin on top healing, which would have left a 'crater' on his bum.
i am sure that you mum will be fine,if you want to do her something really nice, buy her a ring cushion - it helps a lot,and some prunes or figs or dates. it can be quite painful to poo after the operation so anything that will help is good. and for good measure flowers, purely to make her smile...
i hope this helps and don't worry, I'm sure she will be fine...
2007-01-26 01:10:45 · answer #1 · answered by frost7216 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your mother misunderstood what was told her. Draining an abscess is not always successful in eliminating the problem and she would have been told that up front. Antibiotics can help prevent a recurrence once the abscess has been successfully drained, but in some cases, surgical removal is necessary. She would also have been told that at the beginning of treatment.
It is not possible to give an ironclad guarantee. We cannot predict for whom simple drainage and antibiotics won't be sufficient. We can guarantee that if this next step, surgical removal, is not done, the problem will only get worse - much worse. And as you will have discovered if you did indeed read reputable journal articles on the topic, we cannot give an absolute guarantee that surgical removal will eradicate the problem either.
All we - and you - can do is hope for the best.
2007-01-26 09:18:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had this operation, my surgery went good. It hurts pretty bad after the surgery. They have to pack it and when they pulled the packing out that just about killed me thought I was going to die, no joke. But with the pain medicine I was ok and healed up quick. I feel really sorry for anyone that has to go through this surgery. But now I have a very low thresh hold for pain, and she may not, best of luck.
2007-01-26 09:19:36 · answer #3 · answered by B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a doctor changes his mind so quickly, it probably has to do with patient safety or a second opinon presented with another doctor. If the patient heal time is quicker with a surgery than with medication that may have unexpected side effects, the doctor may often go with surgery.
2007-01-26 08:56:55 · answer #4 · answered by victoria 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just pray, and stay healthy.
2007-01-26 08:54:32 · answer #5 · answered by Phlow 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋