Perianal Drainage

Perianal drainage is the discharge of fluid, such as pus, stool, or mucus, from an opening on the skin near the anus. This is a definitive sign of an abnormal pathway, most commonly an anal fistula, which is a chronic tunnel connecting the anal canal to the perianal skin. The drainage results from the body's attempt to expel fluid from the infected or inflamed tract. The character of the drainage can vary from purulent (pus-like) in the case of an abscess or fistula, to mucoid or feculent if there is a direct connection with the rectum. It is a symptom that necessitates a surgical evaluation to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.