Journal of pediatric surgery
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Incision and drainage of subcutaneous abscesses without the use of packing.
The classic intervention for subcutaneous abscesses is incision and drainage followed by wound packing. This is thought to aid hemostasis, and prevent reorganization of the abscess. Removal of packing material may be painful and anxiety provoking. We sought to determine whether packing could be omitted with equal efficacy. ⋯ Incision and drainage of subcutaneous abscesses without the use of packing is a safe and effective technique. This approach omits a traditional, but painful and anxiety provoking, component of therapy.