Consumer Information

Abscess Incision And Drainage

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An abscess incision and drainage is a procedure to cut open the skin and drain pus from the abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus in a warm, red, tender, and swollen lesion (wound). It is most commonly caused by bacteria (germs). An abscess may occur anywhere in or on the body, including the skin. An abscess that needs incision and drainage is usually located deep in soft tissues, such as the thigh.
During an abscess incision and drainage, pus that is collected from the abscess may be sent to a lab for tests. A culture or examination of the pus may help your caregiver know what kind of bacteria is causing the infection. A culture will also help your caregiver know what medicines to give you to kill the bacteria.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Having an incision and drainage may be very painful and put you at risk of bleeding. Other areas close to the infected area may be affected and problems, such as a bone infection, may occur. You may have problems with blood supply to the area that may lead to tissue death. A scar may form on your skin as it heals. Sometimes, the infection may come back and the abscess may form again after being treated successfully. If left untreated, the infection may get worse and the abscess may grow larger. The infection may also spread to other parts or organs of the body. Talk with your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your procedure, medicine, or care.

GETTING READY:

The week before your procedure:

Ask a family member or friend to drive you home after your procedure. Do not drive yourself home.
Ask your caregiver if you need to stop using any of your medicines. These may include aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners.
Tell your caregiver if you know or think you might be pregnant.
Your caregiver may want you to take antibiotics before having the procedure. Antibiotics are medicines to help your body fight infection. Ask your caregiver if you have questions about your medicine.
You may need to have blood tests, x-rays, and other tests. Ask your caregiver for more information about these and other tests that you may need. Write down the date, time, and location of each test.

The night before your procedure:

Remove any nail polish.
You may be given a pill to help you sleep.
Ask caregivers about directions for eating and drinking.

The day of your procedure:

Write down the correct date, time, and location of your procedure.
Ask your caregiver before taking any medicine on the day of your procedure. These may include insulin, diabetic pills, heart pills, aspirin, or blood thinners. Bring all the medicines you are taking, including the pill bottles, with you to the hospital.
Tell your caregiver if you have any allergies. This includes an allergy to a cleansing solution, such as iodine, or any numbing medicine.
Caregivers may need to insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. Through the IV tube, you may be given liquids and medicine.
An anesthesiologist may talk to you before your procedure. This is the caregiver who gives you medicine to make you sleepy during the procedure. Tell your caregiver if you or any member of your family has had a problem using anesthesia in the past.
You will be asked to sign a legal paper (informed consent). It gives a caregiver permission to do the procedure. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

TREATMENT:

What will happen:

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. You may be given medicine to help you relax or make you drowsy. You will be taken on a cart to the room where your procedure will be done. General or regional anesthesia will be given to keep you free from pain during the procedure. Depending on where the abscess is located, you may be placed on your side, back, or stomach. The affected area, including the skin around it, will be cleaned with soap and water. Sheets will be put over you to keep the area clean.
Your caregiver will make an incision (cut) over the abscess. The inside of the abscess will then be cleaned and washed using a saline (salt water) solution. Caregivers will pack the inside of the cavity (hole) using plain gauze or gauze with an iodine solution on it. Dry gauze will be placed over the packing and taped down. The affected part may be placed in a splint.

After surgery: You will be taken to a room where you can rest until you wake up. You may be allowed to go home. If you are staying in the hospital, you will be taken back to your room. Do not get out of bed until your caregiver says it is OK. A bandage is used to cover your stitches or staples. This bandage keeps the area clean and dry to prevent infection. A caregiver may remove the bandage soon after surgery to check your incision.

Waiting room: This is a room where your family and friends can wait until you are ready for visitors. If your family leaves the hospital, ask them to leave a phone number where they can be reached.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

You cannot make it to your procedure appointment on time.
Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
You have questions or concerns about your procedure.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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