Abscess Drainage
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around an infection. Pus is a fluid made up of germs (bacteria), white blood cells, and other matter. Abscess drainage is a way of draining pus from an infected area or organ inside the body. This helps the infection heal. The procedure is often done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.
Before the Procedure
Follow any instructions you are given on how to prepare, including:
Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the procedure.
Tell the technologist what medications, herbs, or supplements you take; if you are, or may be, pregnant; or if you are allergic to contrast medium (x-ray dye) or other medications.
During the Procedure
You will change into a hospital gown and lie on an x-ray table. You may lie on your back, front, or side, depending on the site of the abscess.
An IV (intravenous) line is put into a vein to give you fluids and medications. You may be given medication through the IV to help you relax.
The skin over the abscess is cleaned. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin.
Using CT (computed tomography), x-ray, or ultrasound images as a guide, the radiologist puts a needle through the skin and guides it to the abscess. The needle is then replaced with a catheter (thin, flexible tube).
Pus drains from the abscess through the catheter. A bag or suction bulb will be attached to the catheter to hold the pus as it drains.
The entire procedure may take 30 minutes or longer, depending on the location of the abscess.
Potential Risks and Complications
Bruising or infection near the insertion site
Spread of the infection
Problems due to contrast medium, including allergic reaction or kidney damage
After the Procedure
A slight fever is normal for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
The catheter and drainage bag will likely remain in place for several days. Follow any instructions you are given for caring for the catheter and drainage site.
Call your doctor if you have a fever over 100°F , you feel new or worsened pain, fluid stops draining from the tube, or the tube moves or comes out.
See your doctor for a follow-up appoint ment to assess the infection and to have the catheter removed.