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 and raised. It will also be sore 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
- Look at the fluid in the wound or area
- Reduce the size of areas that are enlarged
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What will the results be?
Infected fluid will be removed from your body. Your health may get better. The area of 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 about 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
- Blood tests
You will 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?
- Once you are in the x-ray or operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to help you relax. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The doctor may inject drugs to numb around the area. These drugs sting a bit.
- The doctor will decide the best place to drain the fluid from the abscess. Your doctor may:
- Feel the area to find fluid under the skin.
- Use an x-ray to see a better picture of the fluid. The doctor would look at the pictures.
- Use a CT scan to see the abscess. These pictures show the abscess in different views.
- Use an ultrasound picture to help find the abscess. With this, the technician would use a clear jelly and rub a special wand over the sore area.
- The doctor will make a small cut in your skin near the affected area. A thin tube may be put in through the cut. This will go right 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. It may take a few days to fully drain the abscess.
- You may feel pressure during the procedure where the doctor places the drainage tube.
- The procedure takes about 20 minutes to an hour.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. If you go home with the tube in place, it will be removed after the draining has stopped and the infection is gone. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- More infection
- Injury or infection to other organs near the affected area
- Trouble passing urine or moving bowels if abscess is in the belly
- Tube falls out (if still in place)
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take a bath each day and keep your skin clean.
- Take extra care when you shave so you do not cut yourself.
- See your doctor if you get a cut or sore that is deep or got dirty.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Radiology ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=percabscessdrn ‚
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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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚