Abscess incision and drainage



Definition

An abscess is an infected skin nodule containing pus. It may need to be drained via an incision (cut) if the pus does not resolve with treatment by antibiotics . This allows the pus to escape, the infection to be treated, and the abscess to heal.


Purpose

An abscess is a pus-filled sore, usually caused by a bacterial infection. The pus is comprised of both living and dead organisms. It also contains destroyed tissue due to the action of white blood cells that were carried to the area to fight the infection. Abscesses are often found in the soft tissue under the skin such as the armpit or the groin. However, they may develop in any organ, and are commonly found in the breast and gums. Abscesses are far more serious and call for more specific treatment if they are located in deep organs such as the lung, liver, or brain.

Because the lining of an abscess cavity tends to interfere with the amount of drug that can penetrate the source of infection from the blood, the cavity itself may require draining. Once an abscess has fully formed, it often does not respond to antibiotics. Even if the antibiotic does penetrate into the abscess, it does not function as well in that environment.


Demographics

Abcess drainage is a minor and common surgical procedure that is often performed in a professional medical office. Accurate records concerning the number of procedures are kept in private medical office rather than hospital records. For these reasons, it is impossible to accurately tally the number of abscess incision and drainage procedures performed in a year. The procedure increases in frequency with increasing age.

This lung abscess is a build-up of fluid near the lung (A). To drain it, the patient is placed on his or her side, and an incision is made (B). A rib is exposed (C) and cut (D). The fluid in the abscess is suctioned (E), and the incision is closed around a temporary drainage tube (F). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
This lung abscess is a build-up of fluid near the lung (A). To drain it, the patient is placed on his or her side, and an incision is made (B). A rib is exposed (C) and cut (D). The fluid in the abscess is suctioned (E), and the incision is closed around a temporary drainage tube (F). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)



Description

A doctor will cut into the lining of an abscess, allowing the pus to escape either through a drainage tube or by leaving the cavity open to the skin. The size of the incision depends on the volume of the abscess and how quickly the pus is encountered.

Cells normally formed for the surface of the skin often migrate into an abscess. They line the abscess cavity. This process is called epithelialization. This lining prevents drugs from reaching an abscess. It also promotes recurrence of the abscess. The lining must be removed when an abscess is drained to prevent recurrence.

Once an abscess is opened, the pus drained, and the epithelial lining removed, the doctor will clean and irrigate the wound thoroughly with saline. If it is not too large or deep, the doctor may simply pack the abscess wound with gauze for 24–48 hours to absorb the pus and discharge.

If it is a deeper abscess, the doctor or surgeon may insert a drainage tube after cleaning out the wound. Once the tube is in place, the surgeon closes the incision with simple stitches and applies a sterile dressing. Drainage is maintained for several days to help prevent the abscess from reforming. The tube is removed, and the abscess allowed to finish closing and healing.


Diagnosis/Preparation

An abscess can usually be diagnosed visually, although an imaging technique such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound may be used to confirm the extent of the abscess before drainage. Such procedures may also be needed to localize internal abscesses such as those in the abdominal cavity or brain.

Prior to incision, the skin over an abscess will be cleansed by swabbing gently with an antiseptic solution.


Aftercare

Much of the pain around an abscess will be gone after the surgery. Healing is usually very rapid. After the drainage tube is removed, antibiotics may be continued for several days. Applying heat and keeping the affected area elevated may help relieve inflammation.


Risks

Any scarring is likely to become much less noticeable as time goes on, and eventually become almost invisible. Occasionally, an abscess within a vital organ (such as the brain) damages enough surrounding tissue that there is some permanent loss of normal function.

Other risks include incomplete drainage and prolonged infection. Occasionally, an abscess may require a second incision and drainage procedure. This is frequently due to retained epithelial cells that line the abscess cavity.


Normal results

Most abscesses heal after drainage alone. Others may require more prolonged drainage and antibiotic drug treatment.


Morbidity and mortality rates

Morbidity associated with an abscess incision and drainage is very uncommon. Post-surgical problems are usually associated with infection or an adverse reaction to antibiotic drugs prescribed. Mortality is virtually unknown.


Alternatives

There is no reliable alternative to surgical incision and drainage of an abscess. Heat alone may cause small superficial abscesses to resolve. The degree of epithelialization usually determines if the abscess reappears.

See also Incision care ; Wound care .


Resources

books

Bland, K. I., W. G. Cioffi, and M. G. Sarr. Practice of General Surgery. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2001.

Braunwald, E., Longo, D. L., and J. L. Jameson. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.

Goldman, L., and J. C. Bennett. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 21st Edition. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1999.

Schwartz, S. I., J. E. Fischer, F. C. Spencer, G. T. Shires, and J. M. Daly. Principles of Surgery, 7th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 1998.

Townsend, C., K. L. Mattox, R. D. Beauchamp, B. M. Evers, and D. C. Sabiston. Sabiston's Review of Surgery, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2001.


periodicals

Cmejrek, R. C., J. M. Coticchia, and J. E. Arnold. "Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Deep-neck Abscesses in Infants." Archives of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 128(12) 2002: 1361–1364.

Douglass, A. B., and J. M. Douglass. "Common Dental Emergencies." American Family Physician, 67(3) 2003: 511–516.

Usdan, L. S., and C. Massinople. "Multiple Pyogenic Liver Abscesses Associated with Occult Appendicitis and Possible Crohn's Disease." Tennessee Medicine, 95(11) 2002: 463–464.

Wang, L. F., W. R. Kuo, C. S. Lin, K. W. Lee, and K. J. Huang. "Space Infection of the Head and Neck." Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 18(8) 2002: 386–392.


organizations

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. One Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314-3357. (703) 836-4444. http://www.entnet.org/index2.cfm .

American College of Surgeons. 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611-32311. (312) 202-5000; Fax: (312) 202-5001. Web site: http://www.facs.org . E-mail: http://post master@facs.org.

American Medical Association. 515 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60610. (312) 464-5000. http://www.ama-assn.org .

American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 405 W. Grand Avenue, Dayton, OH 45405. (937) 222-8820 or (800) 455-9404; Fax (937) 222-8840. Email: info@aocoohns.org.

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. 85 W. Algonquin Rd., Suite 550, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. (847) 290-9184; Fax: (847) 290-9203. http://www.fascrs.org . Email: ascrs@fascrs.org.


other

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, (April 4, 2003). http://www.fascrs.org/brochures/anal-abscess.html .

Merck Manual, (April 5, 2003). http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section6/chapter74/74a.htm .

National Library of Medicine, (April 4, 2003). http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001353.htm .

Oregon Health and Science University, (April 4, 2003). http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/C1/C1.539.830.25.html .

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, (April 4, 2003). http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/peds/pidl/neuro/brainabs.htm .


L. Fleming Fallon, Jr, MD, DrPH

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?


Abscesses are most commonly incised and drained by general surgeons. Occasionally, a family physician or dermatologist may drain a superficial abscess. These procedures may be performed in a professional office or in an outpatient facility. The skin and surrounding area may be numbed by a topical anesthetic.

Brain abscesses are usually drained by neurosurgeons. Thoracic surgeons drain abscesses in the lung. Otolaryngologists drain abscesses in the neck. These procedures are performed in a hospital operating room. General anesthesia is used.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR


User Contributions:

1
Dawn
this was very helpful info, thanks it answer my concerns.
2
Virginia
MY HUSBAND JUST HAD A DRAIN INSERTED IN HIS ABDOMEN TO DRAIN A ABSCESS AFTER HE DEVELOPED AN INFECTION AFTER GALLBLADDER SURGERY. THE GUNK THAT WAS DRAINING WAS CHOCOLATE BROWN IN COLOR BUT NOW IT HAS TURNED BRIGHT RED. SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED?
3
Girly
I have a question/concern.

I have been having a probem with 2 abscesses and a fistula. I'm at the tail end of this painful ordeal. I'm not sure what can be done regarding 2 small cavities in the anus that developed.
Stool collects there often causing pain and discomfort. I have to manipulate it out of the area.
Could you tell me what could be done to correct this probem? I would be happy if the operating team could clean the area and use crazy glue at this point and time. I heard they are using it at time with other procedures. No staples, and stitches. Please let me know. I have not been able to find any info regarding this online.
i have a question,
An abscess has formed on my breast after I stopped breast feeding. I breast feed for a week then had to stop because it was painful, i then started back up with a pump but because i thought i could take care of mastitis on my own an abscess formed. This all happend in 3 weeks. Anyways the abscess had popped yesterday while i was waiting in the hospital to get it drained. I was sent home and told to keep a warm damp cloth on it an make sure i let it keep draining. While in the hospital it drained so much, it was a very light green color. When i got home from the hospital i let it drain some more, but less and less came out. A little more green then it turned to a brownish redish color, then to a dirty clearish color, now watery like blood comes out. How do i know when its all drained? Does the watery blood mean everything is out and is ready to be healed?
i was wondering if you could help me i had a dainage just before xmas i am into my second month my abscess was on the left inside of my bum cheek i am finding that when walking a little to much i am getting pain and discharge i am worried that it hasnt heeled underneath as the nurse said it is very soft still i also get blood at times i am worried that some infection is still underthere as it can become very sore

thanks kelly
hi i had an abscess a year ago and had it drained at a hospital but now the spot is black and there is like a large lump inside what is that and what can i do cause this is really unattractive
I have a concern

A female family member had a abscess surgically drained on the outside of her labia.It has been days,she has a small open incision and is longer draining,but continuous to c/o pain and surrounding skin is red and swollen,Is this normal after post-op surgical removal of the abscess?
8
cherie
I just recently had my abscess drained under my armpit .
just wondering if i need to leave the padding on whilst showering or it doesnt matter if water can get into the tube . ?
I had an absess surgically removed two weeks ago, I had a nurse here for a week to pack the wound. It has now been a week since it was last looked at I have been on keflex 500 mg for two weeks and have noticed today the wound has become very uncomfortable and slightly sore, I am worried I have an infection of the absess is coming back. Could this be a part if it's healing?
I am at my whits end i had an abscess drained in my armpit over a year ago which got badly infected and has hindered the healing process after one year i still have puss that i need to push out of the whole that hasnt closed up still i get burning pains down my arms and am in so much pain i have since had another 3 in the last month does anyone else have this problem ive been on every antibiotic out there :(
CAN YOU BILL FOR REMOVAL OF RETAINED DRAIN OF THE BREAST? SURGERY WAS A WEEK PRIOR
i just got a breast Abscess incision and drainage on my left breast its been 2 weeks since i had it done i whanet to know if it will be safe to smoke marijuana???
13
Ann
I have an abscess on my lower lip. The doctor gives me general anesthesia, but it doesn't seem to help the pain anymore. Basically, what he does is squeeze my lip until the puss comes out and helps it sometimes on the way out. I have had this procedure done yesterday and today. How many times does it usually take for an abscess to completely drain? Also, are there any alternatives?
14
kavi
i have done my breast operation to remove pus from my left breast. its been almost 4 month n still it is little bit area is hard . but now it hve started paining me again.today the wound has become very uncomfortable, I am worried I have an infection coming back. Could this be a part if it's healing?
doctor hve give me a antibiotics again now what this all again? why it is paining me?
I had an abcess drained 1 and a half month ago after that first month I had a check up n I formed a small bruise under the incision the doc put acid in the incision said because a cavitys is built now I got another hole in da center of the bruise a week after that he put acid again he said if this don't cure it he's going to cut the canal I've been real careful don't hurt like it used too I'm scared is it getting better?? Its still a bit hard round da breast
16
ma
I have been reading on here the stories. They are alot like my situation. I woke up one morning and my breast was hurting really bad. I needed relief so I pushed on my breast and infection came out of my nipple. It was a relief but then when I called the dr. on Monday they wanted to see me right away. Of course by then I had fever. So I am terrified wondering if I have cancer. Anyway get to dr and they do culture and send me to surgeon to have her ck it out. They put me on antibiotics and can't get in to see surgeon until like a wk later. Boy it seemed like a yr. When I get to surgeon she looks at it and says well we are going to have to lance it to get all of the infection out. That was so painful. No cancer. Thank the Lord. Well it has been about 4 months now I still have pains already had to be put bk on antibiotics because my cut came bk open. Tried to clean house when I thought I was better. Guess not. I pray everyday to the Good Lord above I get well and stay well and never go through this again. God is great and I feel he will heal me.
17
teresa dawson
i had an abscess in my groin surgicaly dranied and left open 2 weeks ago now it is still open and i now use gel for the healing process but have noticed there is a yellow substance on the plaster that has a bad odour :( is this from the gel or is it infected? i have also found another abscess on the nside of my thigh on the same leg, will i now be prone to them?
18
ceecee dove
my dad had gall bladder removed almost 3 years ago and has been in pain ever since. doctors kept giving him pain relief telling him it was normal. my dad has a high pain thresh hold. 5 motns ago a new doctor joined the surgery and the old one left. he sent my dad for xray. well my dad has an abscess between his liver and lung. it has taken 5 months for them to give him an appointment to drain it. when he arrived for the appointment they could not drain it as it has gone hard. now my dad has a chest infection. what will happen next. what will they do for him. how will they take out this hard abscess. he is on morphine now. i am so worried. he has been diagnosed with prostrate cancer 6 months ago. they cant go any further with the cancer treatment until this abscess has been removed. we are all so worried and my dad thinks they are leaving him to die
19
Sam
i have had my lung drain tube removed for about 2 weeks. The incision has still not closed but is really open. I keep a dry gauze bandage on this daily. Should i be concerned it haw not closed up yet?
20
Alexis
hi i just has a laproscopy for my appendix to be removed a few days ago and now i have some pain where my incision is on the top of my bellybutton and i have developed really black and blue bruising directly below my bellybutton on my stomache and i am having a lttle bit of brownish fluids coming from the incision on the top of my bellybutton. should i be worried?
21
Norma Avila
I am recovering from surgery on my spine for staph abcess.
Cultures still reflect negative, which is a good thing.
Altough, MRI w/contrast nots the following:
Fluid collection which is hypointence on the T1-weighted scans centered to the right of midline in the paraspinous soft tissues and subcutaneous fat extends from the C5-6 level to the T5 level as before. This fluid collection is of uncertain nature. It may represent a seroma, but coud also represent an abcess. An extensive are of abnormal enhancement is presentin the posterior soft tissues of the lower neck and back within the laminectory defects and about this fluid collection and beyond them. This abnormal enhancement is probably in part due to postoperative change, but could also in part be de to inflamation and possibly an infection. Abnormal enhacement is also present in the face joints and facets at the Tl708 levekl and may be due to infection of these facet joints. This enhancement is of uncertain nature but could cionceivably be due to infection of one or more of these joints. Persistent fluis collection centered to the right of midline in the paraspinous sot=ft tissues and subcutaneous fat exteding from C5-6 level to the TF level which may be due to seroma but which could also be due to an abscess. Exxtensive area of abnormal enhancement of the soft tissues of the posterior lower next and back which is probably in part due to postoperative change but which could also be due to inflamation and possibly infection. Enhancement of the facet joints at the T-8
22
Barbara
My son had surgery in 1970 for bladder and where the drainage tube was has opened up and bleeding and pus coming from there.You can see the open hole there, have you ever heard of this and what should we do? Thanks, Barb
23
clifford lobo
I UNDERWENT COLOSTOMY AND AFTER DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL I GOT FEVER 100.4 AND THE CT SCAN SHOWED LIQUID COLLECTION - PUS ABT 80CC AND IT WAS DRAINED AND THEN UNDER ULTRA-SOUND 180CC WAS DRAINED. FROM THE SONOGRAPHY SYRINGE DISCHARGE TOOK PLACE 4 TIMES A DAY AND NOW THERE IS NO PUS LIKE DISCHARGE BUT BLOOD-WATER TYPE WHICH IS VERY LITTLE BUT AFTER PRESSING AROUND THE AREA ABT 5ML BLOOD-WATER DISCHARGE IS OBTAINED. THE AREA IS VERY CLOSE TO THE STOMA. IF INCISION DRAINAGE IS DONE IT WILL TAKE TIME TO HEAL AND BEING VERY CLOSE TO THE STOMA MIGHT GIVE A PROBLEM.

FOR REVERSAL OF THE STOMA WILL THIS DISCHARGE CAUSE ANY SUBSEQUENT SURGICAL PROBLEM? WOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR REPLY. THANKS.
24
Rakeesha
I had an abscess drained about 2 months ago and I am still bleeding to date and pus is still coming out. I've been back to the doc for follow-ups and check ups and the doctor keeps telling me that I'm fine and there's nothing wrong. Is this normal? I want to take the doctor up for medical negligence as she said this abscess keeps coming back every 6 to 12 months and she had advised me that she sent the drainage for testing and the results came back normal. She also assured me that it will not come out again. Thus, I am still in pain, still bleeding and pus is still coming out :-(.

Please provide me with some advice and assistance.

Thanks
25
stephanie
I recently had surgery and now have a tube for drainage and not due for removal for 2 wks. I'M Worried that though it's not as swollen it's not draining as much and its still swollen and still painful. I've been putting a heating pad on it. Should I be worried?
26
Rachel Raynes
I just had a breast abscess lanced 3 days ago and the area around the abscess is still very hard and read. It would be nice to know what the typical look and feel of a correctly healing abscess is. My wound leaks breast milk and is located at 8 o'clock and measured 3x4cm
I work for a glass company in florida. Last monday i had a shooting pain while lifting a piece of glass that wirghs around 90 so pounds. I was rushed to the er because i could not sit and was in bad pain. The er dr. said it could be a small tear hernia or strain. I ask for them to do a scan they told me no w.c would take care of it. Seen another dr. a day later which he told me it was a spilt abdominal muscle ask for a scan they tell me it not necsarry do to him "knowing what is was. That sat. I was rush to the er again because i woke up do to a sharp pain and blood coming from my bellybutton the er told me i was fine and did not do a scan after i asked for one because my white bllod cell count came back normal. Finally after six days from the incident they decide i should have a scan done it comes bac as abscess. Dr. gave me some antibiotices as im eriting this im haveing serve pain and a green and mostly blood puss coming out i asked them if they had to lance it they said no. Im wondering what it is and what should i do thank you
28
yolanda
Is it normal to have severe back pain after having a abscess surgically removed from left side of spine 6months after the surgery my back is always in pain do it have to do with my muscles getting stronger had to learn to walk again to after surgery. I was paralize for like three weeks walking with a cane now trying to get stronger also in therapy twice a week
My mother is 74 and had diverticulitis and therefore now has a colostomy. Six months after her surgery, she woke up one morning bleeding (puss stuff & blood) from her belly button. This was going on for two months and the doctors informed us that the is a fistula on her internal stitches from the surgery that she had. I am not sure though if this is treu or if it is hernia. Can any body tell me if hernia does cause puss and bleeding from the belly button? Has this happened to anybody?
30
laura
i had my groin drained about 2 weeks ago, it has almost finished healing but now there is a hard spot under where the incision was, what is this? scar tissue? if not what is it and what should i do?
I GOT AN ABSCESS AND DO NOT KNOW HOW I GOT IT.

IT IS LOCATED ON MY UPPER RIGHT LEG, BELOW MY BUTTOCKS ON THE SIDE OF THE LEG.

IT IS SO UGLY AND DISGUSTING.

I HAVE BEEN TAKING CEPHALAXIN EVERY SIX HOURS AND THE PUS IS GONE, BUT WHAT REMAINS IS A SMALL HOLE.

I WANTED TO KNOW HOW IT WILL HEAL AND CLOSE OFF OR DO I NEED STITCHES.

I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO.

PLEASE HELP.

THANK YOU.



HPS
32
Linda
I had abscess removed 28 days ago through surgery the size was 3" wide 1.5" deep. it was on my groin area. I pack it every day, it does not seem to be healing as I cannot notice it getting smaller . My surgeon seem happy 2 weeks ago however I don't see him for 5 more days. I just would like to know if anyone out there has had such a large one removed and how long it took to heal. They told me 4 to 6 the day I had the surgery then two weeks ago my dr said 4 to 6. I do hurt to sit up and it still burns at time tho taking the gauze out does not hurt. Any advice or comments would be great. I only don't hurt when laying flat and not moving. The pain is not like OMG I am going to die, it does however keep me from doing much of anything.

Thank you
Linda
33
Lisa
Hi. I had a perirectal abscess so I went to the ER they did an I&D and gave me iv Vancomycin and Zosyn. Two days later I had drainage tube put in. A week and a half later they took it out. That was Nov. 5th. It is now Nov. 16th and I'm still having drainage and it is still slightly swollen. I'm not sure if its filling back up or not. I'm not sure if I'm getting a fistula or not. I'm so scared. I'm a vegan so I get tons of fiber. I also only eat organic veggies and organic fruits. I've been shooting for at least 46 grams of protein a day. I can't tell if this is just the healing process or if it is refilling and I can't afford to go back to the doctor. Do you have any advice?
34
Ari
Hi Alexis(20) - it sounds like you might have an infection. I would gt that checked out ASAP. My sister had same issue & it turned she had an abcess & she had to have it drained. Additional pain & longer recovery time & more time away from her family has resulted from this abcess. Good luck to you!
35
Mary Foster
I have a sister-in-law who had a hernia repaired using mesh in Aug.2013.About a month after she had surgery she started having abcesses around her incision with drainage.She has been on oral antibotics for months for 7 days she had taken antibotic shots twice a day.For 22 days she has had Intraveuos antibotic daily and she has been home about three weeks and the abcess and bloody pus drainage has begun again.Does anyone know what can be causing this she needs help.She has about lost her mind with worry.
36
jasmine
I had an abscess on my liver and had it drained that was in January no one has checked to see if it has all gone .I thought I would have had a scan .but. Now where the tube was it is a bit sore .hope abscess hasn't come back
37
martin
In response to question number 32,from Linda I would reccommend that you sit in a hot tub with the water covering the wound,then pour 1/2 cup of clorox bleach in the bath water and soak the wound in it for 1/2 hour twice a day. Afterwards cleanse the wound with betadine skin cleanser and cover with a bandage. Do this daily for three weeks and you should notice granulated tissue forming in the wound and this is a definitive sign that the infection has cleared and the wound is healing.
38
Catherine Mchugh
My partner had an abscess, drained in may, went across his recrum,to the other side, was worrie
d it would cause a fistula. Still oozing 4 months later. Is this normal???.
39
Catherine Mchugh
My partner had an abscess, drained in may, went across his recrum,to the other side, was worrie
d it would cause a fistula. Still oozing 4 months later. Is this normal???.
40
kat
I'm currently draining my 2nd abscess in a matter of weeks idk why they keep showing up.. the first one was pretty easy the one I'm doing today Has this nasty chunky brown stuff that seems to be attached..(??) To something inside the abscess in my arm...its clogging the hole from draining properly and it stays there even when wiping the drainage fluid and blocks the drainage hole... i try to get a hold of it and pull it lightly to see if it will come out of the drainage hole, and it won't. So I'm worried that it's NOT gonna drain like they other one unless i get this nasty Brown stuff outta the drainage hole and its taking forever :-(
Please help with how i can remove this stuff without hurting myself cause it hurts to tug hard
, thanks
41
lOKESHWARI
I GOT AN ABSCESS AND DO NOT KNOW HOW I GOT IT.
THE PUS IS GONE, BUT WHAT REMAINS IS A HOLE.
I WANTED TO KNOW HOW IT WILL HEAL

plz reply me
42
gajendra
My wife got abscess after that dr done drainage and antibiotics also.but now after almost 1.5month she is having pain. Why and how much time it take to 100% recover and she got pain free.
43
Tetyana
I just recently had my abscess drained in my ass.. I wondering if I need to leave the padding on whilst showering,or it doesn't matter if water can get into the tube?
Surrounding skin is red and swollen. It is normal? I wanted to know hou it will heal and. and close of or doi need stitches in a big hole.
I was wondering if you could help me.
Thak you.
44
Evan Goddard
My alcoholic brother is hospitalized for a month and has been fighting pancreatic abscess for almost two months - in and out of hospital. Other organs such as liver and small intestine have been compromised by blockages. His health is further compromised by diabetes. His gets fevers which one and go, sometimes quite high. His blood sugar is up and down. He has lost a lot of weight and feeding is done primarily through a feeding tube with liquid concentrated food. He has so many tubes going into him to feed and remove food, drain infection, correct blockages. He is not walking or doing breathing exercises. He is only 47 years old. There was a point where the tube that drains infection was taken out, but the infection soon returned and the tube to drain was reinserted. He will not share any details with family and has denied us access to his records. My family would like some information on his chances of survival. The article above suggests that mortality is very rare. But we feel like he is not getting better, infection has not been cured with the antibiotics and he keeps loosing weight. Is there anything else we can do? Send in an infectious disease specialist? Get the hospital to force him to walk and do breathing exercises with a physical therapist? My elderly parents and myself are at wits end. Any advise and a prognosis would help. We don't know what to expect and hope you can provide some answers.
45
yusuf
I had surgery to remove my absecess exactly 5 months ago. Till this day I still have a cut and puss is still coming out. I visit my doctor weekly and all they say is that its fine. Is this normal ??
46
chris
I had an absces drained about a month and half ago and I think its back why is that should I worry or go back to the ER?
47
anna
for 7 months now.. I get a bump under my right nipple during my menstrual cycle.. this month it got big.. and for 4 days.. I was in pain.. could barely move. I noticed a small amount of fluid crust develop so I lightly pressed my nipple.. next thing I knew... I spent 20 minutes draining pus from my nipple. I haven't breastfed for 19 years.. and fear having to deal with this every month. once my monthly cycle ends.. it goes away till the next month? I can no longer have children and I am 40 years old.. never had issues like this.. scared to crap out if me!!
I had had surgery under my chin in my neck area almost 2 years ago and my abscess haven't hearled yet I don't took treatments it only slow the draining puss down what could that be.
49
Kat
My ingrown hair on my way turns into an abscess the size of a baseball I proceeded to pick it myself. its draining quite well this is the third time drained it. this is not my first time having an abscess but I am worried due to the fact I have drained it at home it has increased the rate of infection, plus my drug use cause lower my immune system. I have no insurance rn and don't know what to do. Also one has shown up on my neck...
50
Susan
5 weeks ago I was admitted to hospital and had 2 operations on my left anteromedial lower leg abscess. I had a horse riding accident 12 weeks previously which left me with a very large hematoma. my concern is that my leg is still in a lot of pain and I am not sure if this is normal after this period of time>
51
Susan
5 weeks ago I was admitted to hospital and had 2 operations on my left anteromedial lower leg abscess. I had a horse riding accident 12 weeks previously which left me with a very large hematoma. my concern is that my leg is still in a lot of pain and I am not sure if this is normal after this period of time>
52
Kit
My wife had a brain abcess drained 6 weeks ago after long term antibiotics she is now home she is always tired and rejects most food to eat ie spits it out she drinks plenty is this normal ?
53
Haley
Kit yes that will continue for some time trust me probably months til she gets her energy and apetite back completely. As long as shes not having constant headaches or in pain all the time, the symptoms u listed are very nprmal
54
tonya
About 2 weeks ago I had a perirectal abceses lalanced, now there is a growth under the skin that feels like A shoe string. Its growing from where the abceses was down to my vagina lip. About 2 inches long. please give me some insite on what's going on.
55
elizabeth
I had an abscess on my stomach drained a day ago doctors are having me pack it but the packing is the most painful part wondering if I really need to do this and how long does something like this usually take to heal?
56
ASWATH
i had a achilies tendon rupture surgery but i have a fuss like thing formed near the place were i had surgery and somtyms it pains what shud be done
57
Diana
I had a Splenectomy in October. Subsequently, I developed Pancreatitis due to my Pancreas being injured during surgery and now it's leaking. Fluid began collecting in the abdominal cavity and a Perc drain was placed 3 weeks ago. The fluid draining initially was very thin and watery. It now appears to be getting thicker - almost the consistency of a milk shake. Every time the drain is flushed, I get severe pain, then the drain stops draining for 2-3 days. It will eventually start draining a little. But, when I flush again, it stops for a few days again. Along with that problem, I a having very thick discharge leaking around the drainage tube. I don't know any other way to describe it other than to say it looks like snot coming out around the drainage tube. The drainage tube discharge is yellow and brown and a VERY foul odor. The skin is also red, swollen and very painful. I run occasional fevers of anywhere from 100.0 to 101.9. They easily resolve with Motrin and are not daily fevers. Any thoughts on exactly what's going on with my drain?
58
Judy Schulte
I had surgery yesterday to drain an abscess on top of my knee. Today, the drain tube came out. It's Friday night and I don't go to the doctor until Monday morning. Will it be ok until then. No pain and the bandages are in place.
59
Quincia Smith
I have an abscess on my lower part of my stomach i had it cut and drained by a doctor it is still draining a little after 7 days but the problem is I have hardness around it and real tender to touch what does that mean??
60
Brian Sterley
13 tears ago I had a car accident. Through the years I have had abscess's form on my hip or thigh. Each time it was drained but it re-occured. I am getting to discouraged. I have had 5 operations to clean out the abscess, it just re-occurs. The 5th one was done (all under general aneasthetic) I can feel the hardness reappearing after 2 weeks. Please help me, and send me an e-mail. Blessings. Brian Sterley
61
Christian Chavira
I had a surgery 3 weeks ago, it was because I had two abscesses and the doctor inserted a hose in each abscess (I don't know the exact name of that thing/hose) and one of them fell of within a week, but the other one it's still there, it even has the string attached to my skin and to the hose, I want to know how can I remove it or how long does it take to get it removed.
62
FARHAT
My son had back pain and low grade fever.He got citi scan which showed pus/abscess spread in the area . He has been given an anti biotic and an appointment with the Surgeon.He has colostomy placed due surgery for tumor in his tail bone.He has metal screws/blades placed for artifical bone( i dont have the word for the replaced bone i believe its made of plutonium or something)What procedure he will go through and how can this be well attended..Thank you for the input.
63
Andiswa
hi i had an abscess about 2weeks ago and drained it my self and took antibiotics for a week but now the spot is black and there is like a large lump inside what is that and what can i do cause this is very uncomfortable and it pains when i touch it
I had went to my primary doctor to check on a swollen bump on my left butt cheek close to my anus. I was told i had a perirectal abscess and i was prescribed antibiotics on a friday. Not knowing anything about cause ive never been in this situation nor did i know how painful it was going to be i tried to tough it out until monday to get it checked out or maybe lanced. Unfortunately, the pain was so unbearable and the doctor gave me no pain medication i was forced to go to the ER. The doctor there gave me a shot of dilaudid and shot me with numbing medication all around the abscess (which is very very very painful by the way) and waited to cut it open. So the doctor comes and cuts it open (not that bad but still painful) then proceeds to drain the abscess. He pushes a few times and the pain starts getting worse and worse then he starts cutting deeper and it felt like i had no medication or numbing what so ever. I cant even describe how bad it hurt. I had told the doc to stop and he said we could stop but then after i was about to get discharged he said i would need a follow up surgery. So what my question is, how long should i wait to get it drained and actually finish the cleaning? I have called numerous surgeons anf their all two weeks out for appointments, which my primary doctor says thats way too long. I found one that would do it next week but i still think that is way too long. Plus its still painful but i have pain medication this time. I have pain in my butt cheek and pain going up the left of my pelvis, is this normal?
is the abcess drainage can be done in one sitting ?
66
Sau
I had my abscess at vagina drained in February 2016. Since then stil I had bleeding from that area .

Should I go for another draining procedure to stop bleeding from that area.


Am concerned about if it is open , I may get infected in future and that may have chances to lead to cancer it seems , and sex also may not possible.
Please suggest me what to do
67
RAMYA
What is the reason behind getting boils in neck after doing I&D treatment?
68
christina
I had an abscess open and it is only draining blood, is that bad or good, it is from iv drug use, should i be concerned, i used drawing salve to have it open
69
Suz
First got a big pimple on armpit swelled and finally got it to burst took a few days to drain but it healed than two more show up and form a huge one across my whole pit & 3 heads that burst either by a needle prick or itself it drains on its own but I get more relief when I massage and press in certain areas it's been a mix of blood and puss and bits of darker matter. Been soaking in epsom and hot water compresses. My skin is very red and bruised tender to the touch. The cyst went from really hard to soft with just some hardness along the outside. I've been eating light with vegan protein shakes and mega doses of vit C through out the day. After the first day of drainage I started with fevers between 99 and 102.5 this went on for a couple of days. There has been so much drainage and odor off and on. One hole closed up but I feel a bit of fluid on that area or softness wondering if that is normal healing? When I press on what I call the button spot blood & puss come out muddy than to clearer with chunks of puss I get a bit dizzy in the process. If I don't drain and it fills pain shoots across my chest
70
deb hooper
Hi my partner had posted cancer and had a full removal last June .he developed an abcess in his groin on the side were his nymph nodes were removed..he has had a small opp on it but still in hospital why are the Dr's taking blood and a swab from his rectum..I think he still has an infection..I'm concerned of cancer returning??
71
Roseland Benson
My son in law been in the hospital for a month. He has an abcess about 12 inches
wide and 6inches long on his back. They made 3 incisions on each side of his back in order to pack and drain it. He also is a diabetic. Is it wise
for me to be concerned? He has to have care every week.
72
Hellen Barnes
I had a deep groin abcess. After 48 hours it had mostly been manually drained. It's now sealed but I'm positive it was many layers deep. How do I get it to stay open and finish up the deepest layered cyst. Not just abcess but many layered cysts. Please can you tell me what to do?
73
Angie
Appendix burst a drainage tube was placed into my stomach .that was about four weeks ago. The incision where the tube was placed heal nicely .But now the incision on my stomach seems to be getting harder and red. And it hurts when I get up or lay down or sit down I wanted to know if this is A normal thing?
74
Batool Zehra
Hello, my mother got lower limb abscess last year after that she got continious swelling in her lower limb we consult general surgeon he told me that few vessels were ligated during incision and they wont be back and her limb will remain swell ??? Can anyone help me in this...do i need to concern a vascular surgeon?
75
Erica
Hello I just wanted to know how long does a drain stay in place before coming out ? I had it put in on January and the Dr say it will fall out. Oh it in my butt to help the draining in my butt so I don’t get anal fissures ? I can’t stand it any more and the smell is awful and I can’t wear underwear I am in a protection underwater.. Thanks
76
Rock
Hi i got an abcess surgery near my anus 4 weeks ago, until now its not fully healed, Watery pus blood and pain is what i feel until now. And there is a 1inch bump in my butt check near to the drainage.Is this a part of the healing process or still need another incision?is this normal? Thanks
77
Sarah
I just had my parirectal abcesse drained and packed for 3 days the doctor said it's small enough to not require anymore packing. I'm just nervous about how close to my anus it is with bowel movements and the antibiotics I was on has made my stool very liquid like, like mush. Will it be okay with sits baths after my movements. The person helping me said it looks like there is a little slit at the end of the wound. Does that mean it has developed into a fistula
78
Sandra Lundh
Hi,

How long time can it go from a fall trauma with a hematoma abscess in the upper leg outside of femoris, when the hematoma is squeezing against the ischiasnerv and make the patient paralyzed from the hip down, to make a drainage of the hematoma abscess? Dr tells its to late to do the drainage, and I wonder when they could have done it. Also what scans, mr, tests could thay have taken to fully detect this huge hematoma in the upper leg on the outside (right side).

Thank you for good info.

Best regards

Sandra lundh
79
Clare goltz
I had an abscess surgically drained from my bottom , it’s healing ok but I’ve noticed it’s made me slightly incontinent , is this normal and what do I do ?
80
Casey
Is it normal that after having my abscess lanced and drained it has swelled up to the size of a softball it is very big and hard and painful, still warm but no more puss is coming out, is this normal healing process or could there be something more wrong?

Please help please reply
81
Kura
Hi

I had an abcès drain on my left breast and it’s been 2weeks and I’m still bleeding from the abcès drain wound but it doesn’t hurt or anything. WhAt should I do? Please help
82
mellissa
I just had surgery on a neck abscess do I really keep it uncoved after released from hosp. it just don't seem safe can I keep it coved but also keep it cleaned.
83
Georgy
Hello, i had an anal abscess drained about one month ago and its the 5th week and the area still drain pus. I feel pain sometimes after i use the toilet.
I will like to know if its normal to still drain pus after a month.
Thanks
84
BHOOREDDY SWETHA
On 18 thfebruary i gave birth to baby through csection. After 3 months near lower abdomen sides of the stiches become red and got pus.pus sent for lab and it came as no infection and used anti biotics after 10 days again it becoming red what to do .is this is major problem
I had a head trauma a few years ago and had an abscess removed from my brain . Does it heal or does it leave behind a hole ? As I seem to remember the surgeon telling me that there was a hole the size of a small birds eggs just above the speech and movement centre , the majority of it is a blur.
86
Khishgee
Burst appendix,after surgery have drainage now 5 weeks still coming yellow infection.Doctors stopped antibiotics.What is next.Any ideas?
I have recurring perninal abcess , it was cut and drained 3/4 weeks ago and taken for test but it fills up again with yellow pus and it swollen I have chronic dirrehea too .
88
pamela lambert
I have an abcess on my leg now it has come to a head and had started drainage. But the skin around where it was is brown and rubbery feeling. I have had many abcess s before and have never seen this. Do you know what this could be? and why have I never saw or experienced this b4 . Should I be concerned?
89
Madhu
In my sixth month pregnancy for me historectal abscesses surgery , now I'm mother of two months baby but still pus is coming from surgery , can I feed to baby or not. How I should recover with this?
90
Madeline Moore
I had an appendix drained 4 months ago lateluy I’m worried it’s come back get twinges is this the scar tissue
91
Leonora A. Agyei
I had a breast abscess incision 5 months ago and the abscess is almost healed completely but I still feel some lumps in same breast I took to the hospital for abscess drainage, i have taken it to see the doctor and he prescribed some drugs but still feel it.
I feel the antibiotics he prescribed was not strong enough.
Can you suggest some good antibiotics though?
Also, he took a scan and said it was nothing serious is it really true its nothing serious?

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: