Incision and drainage are sometimes needed when addressing soft tissue infections or abscesses in the lower extremities. Most abscesses can be effectively treated when addressed early by a qualified specialist.
At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus, we specialize in comprehensive lower extremity wound care, including incision and drainage procedures tailored to individual needs. Book an appointment with Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center today for expert guidance!
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.
“I arrived with sore toes and with little understanding of the cause for the soreness, Thanks to her patience and clear explanation, I left with an understanding of the cause of the pain, the treatment needed, guidelines for improving care of my toes, and medication for the healing process. This was a very helpful and educational visit.” — Tynan W.
Incision and drainage (I&D) is a procedure used to manage various skin infections. A small incision is made using sterile equipment to access a specific area that is infected. Drainage involves the removal of accumulated fluids or pus from the affected site.
Incision and drainage become necessary when abscess cavities form due to infection. While some infections resolve on their own, larger abscesses often require intervention by a lower extremity wound care specialist. Incision and drainage can alleviate discomfort and promote healing for simple cutaneous abscesses.
Before your doctor performs a skin abscess incision and drainage procedure, they will perform a physical exam. You may be given antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy can help treat the infection and prevent the spread of infection in other parts of the body.
Incision and drainage are normally done on an outpatient basis. However, if the abscess is associated with severe bacterial infection, a longer hospital stay may be necessary.
Your doctor will clean and sterilize the affected area before making the incision. They will also administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. This is usually applied to the top of the cutaneous abscess where the incision will be made. In some cases, your doctor may inject an anesthetic into the subcutaneous tissue around the abscess.
Your doctor will likely follow the following abscess drainage procedure:
Incision and drainage is an outpatient procedure, and you usually will return on the same day. The precise duration of the procedure can vary based on the complexity and size of the abscess.
After the incision and drainage procedure, you will likely need to keep the dressing covering the wound for a few days or a week. During that time, you will need to change the dressing if it becomes soaked with the drainage. If your doctor placed a wick inside the abscess cavity, then this packing material will need to be replaced or removed after a few days.
Prophylactic antibiotics might be prescribed to prevent infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or anaerobic bacteria. You may also be prescribed pain relief for a few days.
After about a week, you will need to return to the doctor for a follow-up visit. They will remove the packing and the dressing to examine the wound. You may be encouraged to use a warm compress for the first few days. This will encourage the wound to heal faster. After a week or two, the abscess should have healed.
Incision and drainage are effective ways to remove pus from an abscess. Doing so can provide pain relief, reduce swelling, and promote healing.
At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Columbus, Ohio, we care about your lower extremity health. Our expert team offers comprehensive wound care treatments, including incision and drainage. Our aim is always to ensure optimal recovery and well-being.
When it comes to your lower extremities, timely and specialized care plays a pivotal role in achieving the best outcomes. Reach out to our specialists today to book your appointment!
Medically reviewed by Terrence M. Philbin, DO
The procedure is generally well tolerated. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, so you should feel minimal pain during the procedure. Some soreness or tenderness afterward is normal and usually managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
An abscess may require incision and drainage if it is large, painful, swollen, worsening, or not responding to antibiotics alone. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine the best treatment approach.
Not all patients require antibiotics after incision and drainage. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if there is surrounding cellulitis, a higher risk of infection, or concern for resistant bacteria such as MRSA.
Healing time varies based on the size and depth of the abscess, but most abscesses heal within one to two weeks. Keeping the wound clean, changing dressings as instructed, and attending follow-up visits are essential for proper healing.
While incision and drainage are highly effective, abscesses can recur in some cases. Following post-procedure care instructions and addressing underlying risk factors can help reduce the chance of recurrence.
