What r the risks of removing perianal abscess (full anesthesia surgery) for my 3 mo old boy? he's been on 5 antibiotics and now got 3rd abscess

Evaluation needed: The bigger question is why a 3month old is developing abscesses. He should be taken to a university teaching hospital and have his immunoglobulins evaluated as well as complete infectious work up.Once that question is resolved surgery may be considered.

Risks vs. benefits: My guess is that 5 antibiotic courses and 3 abscesses have lead your doctors to feel that the risks of surgery are less than the risks of continuing as is. General anesthesia does carry some risk, though driving to the hospital may carry more! infection, bleeding, injury to tissues can occur. But your baby will be very closely monitored; a non-emergent surgery may move you to fixing the problem.

Drain the abscess: In general, an abscess does not respond to antibiotics well. Surgical drainage will stop the abscess. A pediatric hospital will be best to address the risks of general anesthesia. Working with the pediatric surgeon to prevent any further episodes.

Evaluation needed: The abscess must be opened and drained. More extensive surgery may be needed. It should be done in a pediatric hospital. Why has he had three abscesses? It is most likely that they were never fully treated but two abscesses in a 3 mo boy is a concern for an immunodeficiency called chronic granulomatous disease. If that is the cause, management by a pediatric immunologist is crucial.

No it is very safe: The risk of general anesthesia (ga) is less than that of driving to the hospital to have the operation. Ga is thought to have a risk of death of one in 350, 000 cases or more. Advances in monitoring, medical training, drugs and support have greatley decreased the risk. The main concerns after ga are usually nausea and vomiting post operatively.

Safe with skilled: This is safe with skilled docs they often heal faster afterward than older kids/adults. Be sure the surgeon takes his/her time looking for a perianal FISTULA, which would be my guess for why this has recurred.The fistula would originate from higher in the bowel & push germs toward the perianal skin. If a fistula is not found, this will recur until it is found and cut out.