Minor Procedures
Incision & Drainage of Abscess (Local Anesthesia)
Dr. Tamer Rushdy Elalfy
Educational guidance, not an individual treatment plan. Follow your treating team's instructions for fasting, medicines, wound care and activity. Recovery times vary. Translations have not yet been reviewed by a native-speaking medical professional.
- What it is
- A collection of pus under the skin that antibiotics alone cannot cure.
- The operation
- Small incision under local anesthesia to release pus and wash the cavity.
- Home care
- The wound is left open with a pack; dressings are changed every 1–2 days.
- Recovery
- Healing from the base takes 1–3 weeks depending on size.
- Warning signs
- Fever above 38°C, spreading redness, pus, heavy bleeding, or pain that keeps getting worse.
Before surgery
Confirm your arrival time and fasting instructions with the hospital. Ask your clinical team which medicines to take or pause; do not stop medicines yourself. Tell them about allergies, pregnancy and other conditions. Arrange help and transport home.
After surgery
Take medicines only as prescribed. Follow your own wound, food, fluid and activity instructions; walk gently when your team says it is safe. Keep your follow-up appointment. Ask your surgeon before driving, heavy lifting or returning to work.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding or rapidly increasing neck swelling: seek emergency care immediately. For fever, worsening pain, vomiting or wound discharge, contact your surgical team promptly.
Original handouts · Arabic / English
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