Abscess drainage

An abscess drainage is a small flap or a small plastic tube that is inserted into the abscess cavity. The pus contained in the tube can drain away through it. Abscess drains can be inserted for various reasons.

Often superficial abscesses are first split. The pus is removed as far as possible and the abscess cavity is rinsed. Often a thin plastic tube is inserted into the wound, through which remaining pus and wound secretion can drain away.

Abscess drains can also be inserted for deeper abscesses if they are difficult to reach openly by surgery. In this case the drainage is inserted by means of a puncture. The puncture is performed under visual control with an ultrasound or CT device. While the physician punctures the abscess and inserts the drainage, he can check the correct location of the drainage tube with the help of the device.

Tamponade

Tamponades are often inserted into opened abscess cavities after the operation of an abscess. Tamponades are usually compresses or bandages that are inserted into the abscess cavity and fill it. They are often impregnated with disinfectant and antibiotic additives.

This is often the case with abscesses in the oral cavity, for example, but also with other superficial abscesses.Tamponades are usually changed daily or every two days. In the case of superficial skin abscesses, which are treated on an outpatient basis, the patient can change the tamponade himself. Abscesses treated on an inpatient basis are further treated by the ward physicians in charge.

The aftercare

The post-treatment of an abscess differs depending on the location and type of the abscess. Superficial abscesses require special wound care, whereas internally located abscesses require further in-patient treatment. The far more frequent superficial abscesses can be treated on an outpatient basis.

The attending physician explains to the patient exactly what to look out for in wound care. As a rule, the operated wound cavity is rinsed several times a day with a saline solution. If compresses are applied to the wound, they are also changed several times.

They are usually also soaked with saline solution or a disinfectant additive. Hygiene is particularly important, as otherwise infections can develop in the open wound. If a drainage is placed in the wound, it is pulled out as soon as no or very little wound secretion flows out of it.

The wound heals by itself from the inside out and is not sutured. In the case of deeper-seated abscesses, for example intestinal abscesses, follow-up treatment is carried out on an inpatient basis, as these are extensive surgical procedures. In this case, the patient himself does not have to do much except to take care of his body.

After each operation, no tobacco or alcohol should be consumed, as this can lead to wound healing disorders. Physical strain and sports should also be avoided at the beginning until the wounds have healed. Abscesses can also occur repeatedly, so it is recommended to prevent abscesses in everyday life. How you can prevent abscesses, you can read here: What is the best way to prevent an abscess?