Name of the Procedure:

Drainage of Abscess; Parotid, Simple

• Common name: Parotid abscess drainage
• Medical term: Incision and drainage (I&D) of parotid gland abscess

Summary

Parotid abscess drainage is a procedure done to remove pus from an infected parotid gland, which is one of the major salivary glands located near the jaw. This is accomplished through a small incision to relieve pain and prevent the spread of infection.

Purpose

This procedure addresses the presence of an abscess in the parotid gland, which is usually caused by bacterial infection. The primary goal is to drain the abscess to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and stop the infection from spreading to other parts of the head and neck.

Indications

• Swelling and pain in the jaw area
• Fever and signs of systemic infection
• Inability to eat due to pain or swelling
• Previous history of recurrent parotid gland infections

Preparation

• Fasting for a few hours prior to the procedure if sedation or anesthesia will be used.
• Disclose any medications you're currently taking, particularly blood thinners, to your doctor.
• Blood tests or imaging studies (such as an ultrasound or CT scan) to assess the abscess.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area; in some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be used.
2. Incision: A small incision is made over the abscess to access the infected area.
3. Drainage: A sterile instrument is used to open the abscess, and pus is drained out.
4. Irrigation: The cavity may be washed with saline to ensure thorough cleansing.
5. Closure: Often, the incision is left open to allow further drainage, sometimes with a small drain placed to help with this.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

Usually performed in an outpatient clinic or hospital setting, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health.

Personnel

• Surgeon or ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist (if sedation or general anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Infection of the incision site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Injury to nearby structures, such as nerves controlling facial movements
• Recurrence of the abscess
• Scarring

Benefits

• Rapid relief from pain and swelling
• Prevention of further infection spread
• Improvement in ability to eat and speak comfortably

Recovery

• Keep the wound clean and dry as per the physician's instructions.
• Pain management may include over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications.
• Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
• Follow-up visit to ensure proper healing and to monitor for recurrence.

Alternatives

• Antibiotic therapy alone, which might not be sufficient for larger abscesses
• Imaging-guided needle aspiration, less invasive but may not be as effective for complete drainage

Patient Experience

During the procedure, you may feel pressure but should not feel pain if local anesthesia is used. Post-procedure, there might be mild to moderate pain at the incision site managed with painkillers. Swelling and tenderness usually reduce in a few days, and full recovery is typically within one to two weeks.