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How To Incise and Drain an Abscess
Contraindications to Incising and Draining an Abscess
Absolute contraindications None Relative contraindications Certain abscesses may require drainage in an operating room. Uncertainty whether lesion represents focal cellulitis with induration and swelling or an actual abscess (ultrasonography may be helpful) Consider operating room management for Abscesses close to major neurovascular structures (eg, the axilla, antecubital fossa, posterior knee, groin area, neck) Infections of the hand other than those limited to the distal finger (because of complicated anatomy and small areas) Facial infections (because adequate anesthesia is difficult and the cavernous venous sinus is nearby for facial abscesses above the upper lip and below the brow) Large or deep abscesses (alternatively, experienced practitioners with available technology may consider doing ultrasound or CT-guided percutaneous needle aspiration) 