Abscess surgery: procedures, safety, risks, etc. • hello healthy

Table of contents:

Definition

What is abscess surgery?

An abscess is a collection of pus surrounded by a wall of tissue. Abscesses occur when your body tries to control an infection. This causes painful bumps and can make you feel unwell.

You can get an abscess anywhere on your body.

You may need surgery to remove the abscess or drain the pus if you have an abscess that is larger than 1 cm or an abscess that continues to enlarge and become more painful.

You shouldn't have another abscess after surgery. Surgery should prevent serious complications that can be caused by an abscess.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having abscess surgery?

If your abscess is small (less than 1cm in diameter), you can treat it yourself at home. Applying a warm compress to the area for 30 minutes, 4 times a day, should help.

You should not try to squeeze the pus by squeezing it. This will push the infectious material deeper into the tissue.

Do not stick a needle or other sharp instrument into the center of the abscess, as you could injure the blood vessels underneath it, or make the infection more widespread.

Process

What should I do before abscess surgery?

Small abscesses can be drained under local anesthesia but usually requires general anesthesia. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery.

The operation usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your surgeon will make an incision in your skin at the abscess site. After the pus is removed, the cavity needs to heal from the bottom up so that the openings in your skin will be left open. If the cavity is deep enough, your surgeon will place an antiseptic in it.

Most people feel better after the abscess is drained.

If you still have pain, your doctor may prescribe pain relieving pills to use at home for the next 1-2 days.