Incision and drainage

Overview
Incision and drainage and clinical lancing are minor surgical procedures to release pus or pressure built up under the skin, such as from an abscess or boil. It is performed by treating the area with an antiseptic, such as iodine based solution, and then making a small incision to puncture the skin using a sterile instrument such as a sharp needle, a pointed scalpel or a lancet. This allows the pus fluid to escape by draining out through the incision.

Good medical practice for large abdominal abscesses requires insertion of a drainage tube, preceded by insertion of a PICC line to enable readiness of treatment for possible septic shock.

Role of curettage
Linear incision and curettage is an effective as deroofing and drainage in subcutaneous abscess, but incision and curettage heals faster (9 versus 15 days). Curettage is also important in treating pilonidal abscesses.

Adjunct antibiotics
Uncomplicated cutaneous abscesses do not need antibiotics after successful drainage.