Procedure in which pus (abscess) accumulated in the skin or soft tissue is drained externally through a small incision. It relieves pain and initiates healing.
Indication
- Skin and subcutaneous abscesses (furuncle, carbuncle)
- Perianal and perirectal abscesses
- Abscesses caused by hidradenitis suppurativa
- Postoperative wound abscesses
- Neck, axillary, or groin abscesses caused by lymphadenitis
- Soft tissue abscesses developing after trauma
- Infected collections unresponsive to antibiotic therapy
Preparation
- Clinical examination and, if needed, ultrasonography to define abscess borders
- Blood tests and infection parameters
- Evaluation of glucose and additional tests in patients with diabetes or immunodeficiency
- Use of blood thinners is reviewed
- Antibiotic therapy is initiated for large or deep abscesses
How it's performed
- The abscess area is cleaned and sterilized
- Local anesthesia is applied; sedation or general anesthesia may be preferred for large abscesses
- An incision of appropriate length is made at the most superficial point of the abscess
- Pus (purulent contents) is fully drained; a culture sample is taken if needed
- The cavity is irrigated with saline and internal septations are gently broken with a finger
- A snug packing (loose antiseptic gauze) is placed or a drain is inserted to prevent the abscess cavity from closing prematurely
Post-procedure
- Antibiotic therapy is started orally or intravenously if needed
- First dressing change and packing renewal, if needed, within 24-48 hours
- Regular dressing changes ensure the cavity heals from the base
- Use of pain relievers and warm compresses (per physician advice)
- Control of any underlying condition such as diabetes or immunodeficiency
Risks
- Inadequate drainage of the abscess and recurrence
- Progression of wound infection (cellulitis, sepsis — rare)
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Scar tissue formation
- Injury to adjacent nerves or vessels (rare, depending on location)
FAQ
Can an abscess heal with antibiotics alone?
Antibiotics alone are usually insufficient for most abscesses. Surgical drainage of the pus collection is the primary treatment; antibiotics generally serve as supportive therapy.
When can I shower after the procedure?
Per physician advice, showering is generally possible 24-48 hours after the procedure; following dressing care guidelines is important.
Can the abscess come back?
If the abscess is not adequately drained or if there is an underlying condition (e.g., hidradenitis, fistula), recurrence is possible. Further evaluation is needed in this case.
Will there be a scar?
A faint scar may remain depending on the size of the incision and skin type. In large or recurrent abscesses, the scar may be more noticeable.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
Surgical Outpatient Services
Pilonidal sinus surgery — surgical treatment of the hair-containing tunnel in the natal cleft.
Lipoma/cyst excision
Surgical Outpatient Services
Lipoma and cyst excision — surgical removal of subcutaneous fatty and fluid-filled lesions under local anesthesia.
Scar revision
Surgical Outpatient Services
Scar revision — surgical treatment of hypertrophic, keloid, and function-limiting scar tissue.
Wound care and debridement
Surgical Outpatient Services
Wound care and debridement — removal of nonviable tissue and support of healing in chronic and acute wounds.
Biopsy
Surgical Outpatient Services
Soft tissue biopsy — taking a tissue sample from suspicious lesions for diagnostic purposes.
Burn reconstruction
Surgical Outpatient Services
Burn reconstruction — surgical correction of healed burn scars, contractures and functional loss.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoid
Surgical Outpatient Services
Thrombectomy of a thrombosed hemorrhoid — a small surgical procedure that provides rapid relief by removing the clot from an acute, painful external hemorrhoid.
Anal fistula surgery
Surgical Outpatient Services
Anal fistula surgery — surgical treatment of an abnormal channel between the bowel and the perianal skin.