26991 Incision and drainage, pelvis or hip joint area; infected bursa

Name of the Procedure:

Incision and drainage, pelvis or hip joint area; infected bursa

Summary

In layman's terms, an incision and drainage procedure for the hip or pelvis area involves making a small cut to drain out pus from an infected bursa. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues in the body.

Purpose

The procedure is used to treat an infected bursa in the hip or pelvis area. The goal is to remove the accumulated pus, reduce pain, and prevent the infection from spreading.

Indications

• Severe pain in the hip or pelvis.
• Swelling or redness in the affected area.
• Fever or chills indicating infection.
• Imaging studies showing an accumulation of pus in a bursa.

Preparation

• The patient may be required to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped as advised by the doctor.
• Blood tests and imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasounds to assess the extent of the infection.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned in a way that provides the best access to the infected bursa.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
3. A small incision is made over the infected bursa.
4. Pus is drained from the bursa.
5. The doctor may insert a small tube or drain to allow for continuous drainage.
6. The incision is then closed and dressed with sterile bandages.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient surgical center or hospital.

Personnel

• Surgeon or orthopedic specialist.
• Nurses.
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist if sedation is involved.

Risks and Complications

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Damage to nearby tissues or structures.
• Recurrence of the infection.

Benefits

• Relief from pain and swelling.
• Prevention of further spread of infection.
• Rapid improvement, usually within a few days to a week.

Recovery

• Keep the incision area clean and dry.
• Follow specific instructions on changing the dressing.
• Possible prescription of antibiotics to prevent further infection.
• Avoid strenuous activities until fully healed, usually a few weeks.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Alternatives

• Oral or intravenous antibiotics alone (less effective for abscesses).
• Needle aspiration (less invasive but may not be sufficient for larger infections).

Patient Experience

• The patient will feel numbness in the area due to local anesthesia during the procedure.
• Mild to moderate pain or discomfort post-procedure, typically managed with pain medications.
• Swelling and bruising around the incision site.
• Overall improvement in symptoms within a few days to a week.