Abscesses

• Authorization will be arranged by the rooms or hospital staff.

• Fasting:

  • No solid food for 6 hours before surgery

  • No clear liquids for 2 hours before surgery

• Most chronic medications may be taken, except diabetic medication (to be discussed with your doctor).

• Inform your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the size and location of the abscess. After drainage and packing, dressings are applied and post-operative instructions are provided.

Abscesses are most commonly treated with incision and drainage.

• A small incision is made over the abscess.

• The pus is drained and the cavity is thoroughly cleaned.

• The wound is packed with an antimicrobial dressing, usually removed before discharge the next day.

• The wound is left open to heal from the inside out.

• In large or persistent abscesses, secondary suturing may be planned once the infection has cleared.

30–60 minutes.

• Bleeding (most common, usually minimal)

• Infection or delayed wound healing

• Injury to nearby structures

• Unintended damage to surrounding structures

• Rarely, chronic abscesses may progress to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection

Complications are uncommon. Please contact the rooms urgently if you experience increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or fever.

​Most patients remain in hospital for 1–2 days, depending on the complexity of the abscess.