I would say that the most common cause of recurrent anal abscesses is the presence of an anal fistula, which may remain undiagnosed.
An anal fistula is a “tunnel” or tract that connects the inside of the anal canal with the skin surrounding the anus. This allows bacteria to enter the tunnel and cause an infection in the tissue around the abscess. An anal fistula requires surgery to be treated well and will not resolve on its own.
Other causes of recurrent anal abscesses that are important to exclude, especially in the elder age group, are cancerous tumours. Inflammatory bowel disease and other types of infections such as TB may also be considered.
Your doctor may suggest colonoscopy (endoscopic examination of the colon) to exclude other diseases.
