EP-682 Management of Superficial Abscesses: Scope for Day Case Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Background Superficial abscesses form a large part of surgical emergencies in many units and are considered a low priority emergency often leading to delayed definitive treatment. Aims and objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of emergency treatment of superficial abscesses and to identify areas for service improvement. A set criterion for ambulatory care was made: Apyrexial on admission, White Cell Count of less than 13.5×10*9/L, CRP less than 100mg/L, no significant co-morbidities and no other medical concerns for admission. Patients who meet this criteria should be sent home to present for planned procedures the next morning. Methodology Retrospective audit of care provided to patients who required drainage of superficial abscess under general anaesthesia over a six-month period. Results 76 patients were included in the study. 39% of the patients had their abscesses drained on the day of presentation with another 50% waited till the next day for procedure while the remaining 11% waited for 2 or more days. The time interval between admission and surgery ranged from 2 hours to 94 hours (mean ± SD 19 ± 16.25. The length of admission ranged from 7 to 167 hours (mean ± 43 hours). Of the 130 overnight beds used by the 76 patients, 53 nights were spent awaiting surgery and 77 following surgery and awaiting discharge. Conclusion Out of 76 patients, 40 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of ambulatory abscess pathway and could have been discharged the same day for next day surgery.