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: