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DRAINAGE OF ABSCESS

Preprocedural planning

  • Clinical assessment

    • History and examination​

      • Is this an abscess?​​

      • How deep is this abscess? What anatomical layers does it involve

      • Are there any less invasive methods of treatment?

  • Consent

    • Obtaining written patient consent for the procedure, based on your understanding and clinical assessment of the reason for the procedure, benefits and risks, and allowing time of the patient to clarify questions about the procedure​​

  • Instruments and equipment

    • Scalpel​ with 15- or 10-blade

    • Toothed forceps

    • Scissors

    • Swabs

    • Bipolar electrocautery forceps, lead and generator

    • Bacteriology swab or pot

  • Choose the most suitable anaesthetic for the procedure​ - general or local

Preprocedural planning

Abscess drainage

  • Once appropriate anaesthetic has been administered, prep skin with Chlorhexidine or Vidine and apply sterile drapes

  • Palpate for the most fluctuant area and incised with a large scalpel

    • Incision should be long enough to get adequate access to the cavity

    • Deepen the incision until the abscess cavity is penetrated and express the free pus​

    • Send pus for microbiology using bacteriology swab or pot

  • Place an opened swab over your index finger and sweep it around the cavity​​

    • Alternatively, use a curette or spoon instrument​

  • Irrigate the abscess cavity with 0.9% NaCl​

  • If there is a large cavity, pack the cavity loosely with alginate rope dressing to keep wound open and allow healing by secondary intention

Abscess drainage
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