General Information
DEFINITION--To open and drain an abscess.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Abscesses may occur anywhere in the body. The most common
areas include: female breast during lactation; armpit; rectum; vaginal lips; face; area
around the tonsils; area under the tongue; scrotum; and arms, legs, hands and feet.
REASONS FOR SURGERY--Treatment of infections: If an abscess breaks open and
drains spontaneously, surgery is still required to assure complete drainage.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Poor nutrition.
- Recent or chronic illness.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens;
marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--Family doctor or general surgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED--Doctor's office, outpatient surgical facility, hospital or
emergency room.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
- After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed pus (sometimes).
ANESTHESIA
- Local anesthesia by injection.
- General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the
windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- An incision is made over the abscess.
- The incision is spread apart, and a sterile-gloved finger is inserted inside the abscess
to break up small pockets. The pus is drained.
- Gauze is packed into the space left by the abscess. This provides a drain that allows
the cavity to heal from the bottom outwards. The gauze drain is removed in about 48 hours
after surgery.
- The skin is left open to hasten healing.
- A gauze dressing is applied over the wound.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Recurrence of the abscess.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 2
weeks for recovery from surgery. Further surgery may be indicated.
Postoperative Care
GENERAL MEASURES
- Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve pain.
- Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the wound gently with mild unscented soap after
the gauze drain is removed.
- Change the gauze dressing daily after bathing or as directed.
† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
ACTIVITY
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 1 week after surgery.
- Resume driving 3 days after returning home.
DIET--Eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.
Call Your Doctor If
Any of the following occurs:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
- Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and
fever.
- New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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