Incision and Drainage

Abstract

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for incision and drainage. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: localization of the abscess cavity, incision, irrigation, packing, or drain placement.