An ‘Abscess incision and drainage’ is an operation performed to drain a collection of pus out of a painful infection, called an abscess. Its purpose is to treat the abscess and relieve pain.
Abscess incision and drainage is a relatively simple procedure that is commonly performed at our first-class facilities by highly experienced general surgeons.
Ramsay Care Health UK is a leading provider of private healthcare in England and has a network of over 35 UK hospitals, all of which are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission.
We offer convenient and local care without waiting.
An abscess is an infection that has produced a collection of pus and it can occur in a variety of sites, especially around the anus.
Often there is an underlying cause such as a skin cyst that has become infected which is caused by a bacterial infection. If it is caught early, enough antibiotics may stop an abscess from developing but once an abscess has appeared, an incision and drainage procedure is required.
Sometimes an abscess will burst by itself and the pus discharge. This may allow the abscess to heal with additional antibiotics however it is not safe to leave an abscess to burst.
An incision and drainage operation is performed to treat an abscess. The skin around the abscess is cleaned with an antiseptic fluid, and then your doctor will make an incision over the abscess to release the pus. A sample of pus is usually taken to analyse the type of bacteria causing the infection.
The pus is evacuated and the cavity remaining is cleaned and washed. Usually the cavity is packed with either gauze soaked in antiseptic or artificial gauze made from seaweed. The packing prevents the abscess recurring and allows any remaining infection to drain out.
An incision and drainage abscess procedure can take between ten to 45 minutes, depending on the size and deepness of your abscess, though occasionally an overnight stay is required.
Once you have been discharged, arrangements will be made for the abscess site to be regularly cleaned and dressed. It may take up to 2 to 6 weeks of regular dressings before the area is healed properly.
If you are paying for your drainage surgery you can choose from a number of finance options we have. These include All-inclusive Total Care where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price delivers direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance, pay as you go and, medical finance loans.
Costs are covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise that you check directly with your insurance provider and get written authorisation before you start your treatment.
You should be able to go home the same day or the day after your incision and drainage abscess procedure.
It is important that you follow your doctor’s post-surgery advice about cleaning your wound and changing dressings. If a gauze packing was put in your wound, it should be removed after one to two days.
You may be given antibiotics that you should take as prescribed. If you need pain relief you can take over-the-counter pain relief as required. Your wound will take one to two weeks to seal over and heal.
Your doctor will let you know when you can return to work.
Spread the cost of your treatment with fixed, monthly payments over a time period to suit you.
Find out more
We offer an alternative range of ways to pay, so you can choose which one best suits you and your finances.
Find out more
Use your private medical insurance to fund your treatment through our simple referral process.
Find out moreSurgery to remove swellings inside and around your bottom, known as haemorrhoids or piles and, relieve their symptoms.
A femoral hernia occurs when a loop of intestine or fatty tissue pokes through a weak spot in your groin at the top of your inner thigh into an area called the femoral canal.
An inguinal hernia is the pushing out of abdominal organs through a weak area in your groin, this is treated with inguinal hernia repair surgery.
A paraumbilical hernia is an area of weakness around your umbilicus that adults are more likely to develop. An umbilical hernia is an area of weakness in your umbilicus (naval) that often develops in children.
Explore answers to common questions about cosmetic breast surgery from Mr. Nick Williams, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, working at Cobalt Hospital.
The University of West Indies has named Cobalt’s Mr. Ragbir (Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon) as Honouree for their 2024 Graduation Ceremony in his hometown of Jamaica.
Mr. Ragbir, Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon at Cobalt Hospital is currently the president of BAPRAS (The British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons). They pride themselves on providing accurate patient information to educate patients to make the best choice when it comes to their health and cosmetic surgery.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material, contained on this website is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
No warranty or guarantee is made that the information contained on this website is complete or accurate in every respect. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. Prior patient results are only provided as examples of what may be achievable. Individual results will vary and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo use or any statement on this website.
Ramsay Health Care UK is not currently recruiting for any roles based outside of England. If you are interested in applying for a role with Ramsay Health Care UK, please note that all available positions are advertised exclusively on our official website: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers. Be cautious of individuals or organisations that approach you directly for remotely-based roles. Always verify the authenticity of the job offer and be careful with whom you share your personal information. For more information and advice on employment fraud, please visit: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers/recruitment-fraud
