Procedure of the surgery

First, the area around the boil is generously coated several times with a disinfectant solution. This is an alcoholic solution and should clean and disinfect the skin to avoid complications. The doctor will then cover the wound with a sterile cloth to further minimize the risk of infection.

Now the boil is opened with a scalpel. The pus is sucked out. If antibiotics are necessary to prevent skin infection, a smear is taken to identify the pathogen.

Sometimes it is necessary to remove necrotic, that is dead tissue with a sharp spoon. After complete emptying of pus, the wound is rinsed thoroughly. Minor bleeding is stopped with a so-called electrocautery. In the case of larger boils, it may be necessary to insert a so-called drainage system, which allows the pus to continue to drain. Sometimes sponges or platelets containing antibiotics are also inserted to reduce the risk of infection.

Duration of the surgery

The opening of the follicle is associated with a minimal incision and usually does not take long. Hygiene measures such as disinfection, rinsing and bandaging also take a minimal amount of time. Most uncomplicated boils can be operated on in less than 45 minutes.

Aftercare

After the operation, the wound is partially left open for one or two days and rinsed. The complete healing of opened furuncles can take several weeks. Regular check-ups are important to ensure that the surgical site has not become inflamed or re-filled with pus. Therapy with antibiotics in tablet form may be necessary to reduce the risk of infection.

Risks during the operation

Although the opening of boils is a routine procedure, like any surgery it is also associated with risks. There may be bleeding and secondary bleeding and, depending on the extent of the tissue damage, scarring is possible. Wound healing disorders and recurring purulent inflammations are also rare but possible.

A particular complication is the formation of fistula ducts, pathological connecting ducts to internal organs. This can always lead to an abscess. Allergic reactions can also occur.A serious but rare complication of the operation is sepsis, or blood poisoning, which is a condition in which bacterial pathogens enter the bloodstream and cause fever and chills. The risk can be reduced by taking antibiotics.