Use of a punch biopsy tool as an alternative approach for incision and drainage of abscesses

Abstract

The incision and drainage of an inflamed or infected cutaneous abscess is a common medical intervention. Traditionally, common practice involves the insertion of a #11 (or similar) scalpel blade to incise an abscess, forming a small linear opening superficially, thus allowing the drainage of purulent contents over several days. Premature skin closure occurs frequently due to the linear wound edges yielding to close approximation. In an effort to avoid this complication, providers often choose to pack the wound. However, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown no decrease in abscess recurrence rates with wound packing and further suggest postprocedural pain and costs are reduced without wound packing. 1 Mohamedahmed A.Y.Y. Zaman S. Stonelake S. et al. Incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with or without cavity packing: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2021; 406: 981-991 Crossref PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar ,2 Kessler D.O. Krantz A. Mojica M. Randomized trial comparing wound packing to no wound packing following incision and drainage of superficial skin abscesses in the pediatric emergency department. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2012; 28: 514-517 Crossref PubMed Scopus (35) Google Scholar