Name of the Procedure:

Intraoral Incision and Drainage of Abscess, Cyst, or Hematoma of Tongue or Floor of Mouth; Submandibular Space

Summary

This procedure involves making a small cut inside the mouth to drain infected fluid or blood from an abscess, cyst, or hematoma located in the tongue, floor of mouth, or submandibular space.

Purpose

The procedure is designed to address collections of pus (abscesses), fluid-filled sacs (cysts), or pooled blood (hematomas) in the mouth or submandibular space. The goal is to reduce pain, prevent the spread of infection, and promote healing.

Indications

• Severe pain or swelling in the mouth or neck
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Fever or signs of systemic infection
• Presence of a palpable or visible lump in the affected area
• Imaging studies showing fluid accumulation

Preparation

• Fasting for several hours before the procedure
• Stopping certain medications as directed by the healthcare provider
• Pre-procedure imaging (e.g., X-ray, CT scan)
• Blood tests for clotting function if necessary

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, usually lying down.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area; general anesthesia may be used for extensive cases.
3. The surgeon makes a small incision in the mouth, near the affected area.
4. The abscess, cyst, or hematoma is accessed and drained using sterile instruments.
5. The area might be irrigated with a saline solution to ensure all fluid is removed.
6. A small drain may be placed to allow any remaining fluid to exit.
7. The incision site is closed with sutures if needed.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital, surgical center, or outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Oral Surgeon or ENT Specialist
• Surgical Nurse
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Injury to nearby structures (nerves, blood vessels)
• Pain or discomfort at the incision site
• Recurrence of abscess, cyst, or hematoma

Benefits

• Relief of pain and swelling
• Reduced risk of the spread of infection
• Improved ability to swallow and breathe comfortably
• Quicker recovery from infection

Recovery

• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Pain management with prescribed medications
• Maintaining oral hygiene to prevent infection
• Avoiding strenuous activities for a few days
• Soft diet until full recovery
• Full recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks

Alternatives

• Antibiotic therapy alone (may not be sufficient for large abscesses)
• Needle aspiration (less invasive but might not completely resolve the issue)
• Observation (if the cyst or hematoma is small and not causing symptoms)

Patient Experience

The patient may feel some pressure and mild discomfort during the procedure if only local anesthesia is used. Post-procedure, there might be soreness and swelling that can be managed with pain medication. The patient should follow all post-care instructions for optimal recovery.