Incision and drainage of subcutaneous abscesses without the use of packing

Abstract Purpose The classic intervention for subcutaneous abscesses is incision and drainage followed by wound packing. This is thought to aid hemostasis, and prevent reorganization of the abscess. Removal of packing material may be painful and anxiety provoking. We sought to determine whether packing could be omitted with equal efficacy. Methods One hundred pediatric patients with subcutaneous abscesses were enrolled between May, 2008 and December, 2010. All underwent incision and drainage, then seven days of oral antibiotics and warm soaks. Patients were randomized to the packing group (PG) or non-packing group (NPG). Packing was removed 24 h after the procedure. Patients were excluded if: 1) diabetic/immunosuppressed, 2) the abscess was perianal or pilonidal, or 3) the abscess was secondary to a previous operation. Patients were evaluated in clinic if recurrence was suspected during follow-up calls on postoperative days seven and 30. Results Eighty-five patients completed the study (43 PG/42 NPG). The two groups were not statistically different with respect to initial parameters, recurrent abscesses (one in each group), or MRSA incidence (81.4% PG/85.7% NPG). Conclusion Incision and drainage of subcutaneous abscesses without the use of packing is a safe and effective technique. This approach omits a traditional, but painful and anxiety provoking, component of therapy.