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Abscess Incision and Drainage


Why is this procedure done?


An abscess is a collection of fluid that is infected. This can happen anywhere in your body. If it is on the surface, your skin will be red, raised, and hurt when you touch it. If the collection is deeper in your body, you may not be able to easily tell that you have an abscess. It will need to be drained 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 will 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

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 depends on where the abscess 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 abscess may be treated in different ways. Your doctor may:
    • Leave the abscess open. Then any more pus produced can be drained away easily.
    • Place an antiseptic dressing inside of the abscess to keep it open. This is a gauze wick. It is most often used if your abscess is deep.
    • Put a thin tube through the cut. This will go into the site of the abscess. 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.
  • The cut site is closed with stitches or staples and covered with clean bandages.
  • The procedure takes 20 minutes to an hour. It may take a few days to fully drain the abscess.

What happens after the procedure?


If your doctor did the procedure in the office, you may go home shortly after the procedure is done. ‚  

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

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Practice proper hygiene. Practice good hand washing.
  • Do not share towels, razors, and other personal things with someone else.
  • Be careful when you shave your face, underarms, or legs to avoid scratching or cutting your skin.
  • If you cut yourself, keep the area clean and put antibiotic ointment on it.

Where can I learn more?


NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Abscess/Pages/Treatment.aspx ‚  

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 providers 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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