Surgical treatment of an abscess

Surgical interventions in the inpatient department are covered by a loyalty program, which makes treatment even more affordable.

An abscess is a focus of inflammation in which pus forms. It is a capsule with a dense membrane that develops as a result of the body’s defense reaction. It prevents further spread of inflammation.

Most often, abscesses occur in soft tissues due to infection entering a wound, but they can also develop on mucous membranes, in internal organs, and even in bones. In the first case, the surgeon can open the abscess on an outpatient basis, while in the second, surgery is required.

At “Oxford Medical,” there is a high-tech surgical department. It is equipped with the latest technology and provides conditions for the removal of all types of abscesses. Treatment of superficial abscesses is performed without hospitalization under local anesthesia and lasts no more than 20–40 minutes. Internal abscesses are removed using minimally invasive techniques (endoscopy and laparoscopy).

The most dangerous are abscesses of internal organs. As a rule, they develop with a complicated course of infectious diseases and require immediate surgery.

External abscesses should also be opened by a surgeon. If done independently, there is a high risk of rupture of the purulent cavity into deeper layers of the skin, incomplete removal of pus, skin damage with subsequent scar formation.

Therefore, in case of an abscess, it is advisable to immediately consult a surgeon.

Local symptoms of an abscess are:

• redness and swelling of the skin at and around the site of the abscess;

• pain, a feeling of pulsation;

• enlargement of the abscess.

Abscesses of internal organs cause pain and functional disorders. Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the pathological focus.

In addition, with the development of purulent inflammation (both of soft tissues and internal organs), symptoms of body intoxication may occur:

• fever;

• general weakness;

• chills, muscle pain;

• dizziness;

• loss of appetite, nausea.

Removal of a soft tissue abscess is quite a simple surgery. Thanks to one-day surgery methods, it is performed without hospitalization and requires only a few hours from the patient.

The procedure is performed as follows:

• The surgeon treats the skin area with an antiseptic and administers local anesthesia.

• Using a scalpel, he carefully opens the abscess, removes pus, and sanitizes the cavity.

• If the abscess is located in deep tissues, he inserts a small drainage tube to remove pus.

• Stitches and a sterile dressing are applied.

Such an operation usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. After that, the patient can immediately leave the clinic.

Since an abscess has an infectious nature, the patient is also prescribed a course of antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, and other medications as indicated.

Removal of internal organ abscesses is a more complex task. It requires hospitalization and surgery under general anesthesia. The surgical method depends on the location of the abscess. Surgeons at “Oxford Medical” mainly use minimally invasive techniques. They allow minimizing damage to healthy tissues, reducing the risk of postoperative complications, and easing the rehabilitation period.

Without timely treatment, an abscess can lead to serious complications. The most common are:

• development of phlegmon (purulent process without clear boundaries);

• neuritis (inflammation of the nerve);

• osteomyelitis (spread of purulent inflammation to bone tissue);

• dysfunction of the affected organ;

• blood infection, sepsis;

• peritonitis;

• purulent meningitis;

• scar formation.

Timely medical consultation allows removing the abscess by the most sparing method and avoiding health-threatening consequences.

The main cause of an abscess is infection entering tissues and the development of inflammation. The most common pathogens are pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms: staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli, and other bacteria, as well as fungi. They can penetrate the body when the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes is compromised, for example, with cuts, scratches, etc. Also, with weakened immunity, latent chronic infections can provoke an abscess. In this case, pathogens enter various tissues and organs through the bloodstream.

The cost of removing an abscess can vary. It depends on the location of the pathological focus and the complexity of the operation.

You can find out the prices for treating abscesses at «Oxford Medical»here.

To find out a more accurate price taking into account the diagnosis and receive individual recommendations for treating an abscess, make an appointment with a surgeon at a time convenient for you.