Why is this procedure done?
A wound is an area of skin that is cut or broken. If the skin heals and there is an infection underneath, the doctor may need to open up the area and clean out the infection. The area around the wound may be red, raised, and hurt when you touch it. The doctor may need to drain the wound to: ‚
- Get rid of the infection from the body
- Check the fluid in the wound or area
- Make large areas smaller
What will the results be?
The infected fluid will be removed from your body. Your health may get better. The area of the infection may heal. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
- X-rays
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
- Wound culture
You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- The procedure type depends on where the wound is. It may be under the skin. The doctor will numb the area to help you stay pain free.
- The doctor will make a small cut on your skin near the affected area. Your wound may be treated in different ways. Your doctor may:
- Leave the wound open. Then any more pus produced can drain away easily.
- Place an antiseptic dressing inside of the wound to keep it open. This is a gauze wick. It is most often used if your wound is deep.
- Put a thin tube through the cut to the place where the infection is. The tube lets the infected fluid drain away from your wound or body. The tube may be connected to a drainage bag outside your body.
- Most often, the doctor keeps the cut site open and covers it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes 20 minutes to an hour. It may take a few days or weeks to fully drain the wound.
What happens after the procedure?
If your doctor did the procedure in the office, you may go home shortly after the procedure is done. Your doctor may want you to go to the hospital for anesthesia to drain the wound. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Infection may not clear up or may go to the bloodstream
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing. ‚
Where can I learn more?
New Zealand Dermatologic Society ‚
http://www.dermnetnz.org/bacterial/wound-infection.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-11-23 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚