Name of the Procedure:

Incision and Drainage of Abscess (eg, carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia); simple or single

Summary

Incision and drainage of an abscess involves making a small cut in the skin to drain infected fluid from an abscess, which is a swollen area filled with pus. This procedure helps reduce pain and speed up healing.

Purpose

The procedure is performed to treat abscesses that cause pain, swelling, and infection. The goal is to remove the pus, lessen discomfort, and prevent the spread of infection.

Indications

• Visible and painful swollen lump
• Redness and warmth around the affected area
• Fever or chills indicating infection
• Pus formation under the skin

Preparation

• Follow your doctor's instructions on fasting if sedation is needed.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking; some may need to be adjusted.
• Pre-procedure assessment, such as a physical examination or ultrasound, to confirm the nature and size of the abscess.

Procedure Description

1. The area around the abscess is cleaned and disinfected.
2. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
3. A small incision is made over the abscess.
4. The pus is drained, and the area is cleaned.
5. The incision might be left open to allow further drainage and packed with sterile gauze.
6. A dressing is applied to protect the area and absorb any further drainage.

Duration

The procedure typically takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on the size and location of the abscess.

Setting

The procedure can be performed in various settings, including a doctor’s office, outpatient clinic, or a hospital.

Personnel

The procedure is usually carried out by a physician or a trained healthcare provider, with assistance from a nurse or medical assistant.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks include pain, bleeding, and minor scarring.
• Possible complications include re-infection, excessive bleeding, or an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
• In rare cases, the infection may spread or form new abscesses.

Benefits

• Immediate relief from pain and pressure.
• Reduced risk of infection spread.
• Faster healing and recovery.

Recovery

• Keep the area clean and follow all wound care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended.
• Avoid strenuous activities that could strain the area.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing.

Alternatives

• Oral or intravenous antibiotics, though they may not be effective alone if the abscess is large.
• Needle aspiration, often used for smaller abscesses, but might not be sufficient for larger ones.
• Benefits of alternatives include less invasive approaches, but they may not provide rapid relief or resolve larger abscesses effectively.

Patient Experience

• You may feel slight pressure during the procedure but should not feel pain due to the local anesthesia.
• Expect some discomfort and minor pain post-procedure, which can be managed with prescribed pain relievers.
• It is common to experience some drainage from the incision site as it heals.

Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and to prevent any complications.