1239 Microbiology, Culture and Sensitivity Analysis During Drainage of Non-Perianal Soft-Tissue Abscesses: Do We Review the Results and How Often Do They Change Management?

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Abstract Aim The utility in obtaining microbiology, culture, and sensitivity (MC&S) specimens during drainage of soft-tissue abscesses is controversial. This study aimed to determine if routine MC&S analysis changed management after drainage of non-perianal abscesses. Method A retrospective review was undertaken of consecutive patients undergoing drainage for non-perianal superficial abscesses between July and November 2021. Data recorded included whether an MC&S specimen was taken, the result, any antimicrobial treatment and clinical outcome. Using the Auditing functions inbuilt to the software, whether the surgical team had subsequently reviewed the result was also determined. Results 76 patients underwent abscess drainage, located in the pilonidal region (32%), axillary (24%), buttock (24%), groin (11%), neck (5%) and trunk (5%). MC&S was sent from 52 cases (69%). Results were reviewed by the surgical team in 6 cases (11%). Samples were positive in 34 cases (65%). Mixed organisms were the most common positive finding (28 cases) and sensitivity was not performed on these samples. Methicillin-sensitive S aureus was cultured from 4 cases (8%), Methicillin-resistant S aureus from 1 case (2%) and Staphylococcus lugdenensis from 1 case (2%). Post-operative antibiotics were prescribed for 25 patients. 4 patients required a further course of antibiotics postoperatively and in all these cases MC&S was taken but showed no growth. Conclusions Few MC&S results were reviewed by the surgical team and MC&S results did not guide management in any case. These results support the hypothesis that routine MC&S sampling is not required for typical abscesses in low-risk patients.