Need info asap about abcess drainage

I've had it done, and while mine was pretty painless, I'm sure it depends on where the abscess is located and the skill of the doctor placing the drain. I would ask to be present while it's done that way you can ask for more sedation if there's any problem. It should be fine though, as long as he has a local, he shouldn't feel anything internally. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Just a question, if they aren't a 100% sure he has the abscess, how are they going to place the drain? What are they using to visualize the abscess and the procedure? Mine was so long ago, I can't remember what they used, maybe ultrasound?

They said that they just numb the area...no general anestetic....not sur e what kind of drain...still waiting to se surgeon. I will ask if they can sedate him..he is very nervous. deese

It's been a long time but I remember my abcess as being quite painful at times especiallly when they were changing dressings on it. I remember thinking it felt like a blow torch up the exhaust pipe.

Is the drain being inserted percutaneously (through the skin) or is it a surgical procedure. My drains have always been done percutaneously in the diagnostic imaging suite using CT guidance. It isn't a pleasant procedure, but not unbearable. I had some valium the first time and suffered painful bladder spasms afterwards (the abscess was very close to the bladder) So asked for pain meds in subsequent attempts.

I've had 2 abcesses drained and both were done under general anesthesia in the operating room. Personally, I wouldn't do one without being knocked out. Like the post above it was left open and packed with iodaform (sp) guaze. I woke up in not so much pain but the next day when the doctor removed guaze was the worst part. The pain was the worst pain i've ever felt in my entire life. The second time around though we had the doctor order a shot of morphine before they did that so that it wouldn't be so bad. I hope things go better for your son though!

re: "All abscess should be drained in the operating room......my surgeon won't do them any other way."

Clearly there are differences of opinion as to whether "all abscesses" require an open incision surgery. My abscesses were successfully managed without resorting to reopening my healing surgical incision. The decision whether to insert a percutaneous drain (The drain is inserted through a miniscule incision and then guided into place using advanced CT guidance) or whether to excise and drain, depends upon many variables, including the site of the abscess, the patient's health, the physician's skills, the presence of advanced diagnostic imaging equipment and radiologists trained in their use. When the situation warrants, the gold standard is to drain the abscess without surgical intervention. Every surgical procedure brings with it the potential for recontamination and significantly increases recovery time.