Medical operation?

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!

It is possible that this is not seen by the doctor very often and that maybe he consulted with another doctor who convinced him that surgery would be a better result? I don't know.You would have to ask him. But it is kind of late to ask now, since she is already having the operation.From what I see online, if the abcess is big enough, they need to drain it surgically to get the pus out quickly (plus I am sure it would not be comfortable to deal with such a boil where you sit and where you have bowel movements)..so this will give her relief from pain quicker...also imperative to eliminate infections as quickly as possible if she is a diabetic or has a decreased immune system.

As an interventional radiology tech, I've assisted in draining many abscesses. The change in plans may have simply been brough about when one doctor corroborated with another, and came to the conclusion that surgery is a better path to take. That's normally what happened in cases I've seen. Good luck to your Mom!

Most likely your Mom's MD consulted with another,and agreed that a surgical approach would better for the outcome,taken in consideration her age,other health problems,and most important a faster recovery! Hope all goes well. SW RNP

IMO Karen is spot on.

I suggest you not read too much into this. My Doctor did a similar thing to me once. It didn't involve surgery but it did involve his taking the time and energy to do some additional research and talk to a specialist about me. He changed his mind about the treatment and called me at home to adjust things.

IMO, this is far from being a bad thing. I have given my Doctor and a specialist he sent me to about 5 gold stars for different things that have happened. Again, IMO, anyone who admits they might not know EVERYTHING, is a person well worth listening to.

If I was in your mom's place, I think I would consider this a good thing, not a bad one.

Tell your mom I send my best. I hope her Dr. is as good as mine...