Percutaneous Abscess Drainage

Percutaneous Abscess Drainage

Removing infected fluid through the skin

What is it?

Abscess drainage removes a pocket of infected fluid, called pus, from inside the body. The procedure is called percutaneous abscess drainage. Percutaneous means through the skin. An interventional radiologist uses ultrasound or CT to place a thin needle, then a small drain, into the collection. Pus drains into a bag outside the body.

A sample is usually sent to the lab to help choose antibiotics. Some small collections are aspirated only, and the needle comes out the same day. Many abscesses need a drain left in place until the pocket shrinks. This is not an open operation.

Why do I need it?

An abscess can form after infection, surgery, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, or illness in the belly, pelvis, liver, kidney, or soft tissue. A walled-off pocket can cause:

  • Fever, chills, pain, or swelling
  • Infection that antibiotics alone may not reach
  • Pressure on nearby organs
  • The need for source control, which can avoid a larger operation

How do I prepare?

  • Medicines: Tell the team about blood thinners and all other medicines. Do not stop them unless you are told to.
  • Allergies: Report allergies to contrast dye, numbing medicine, latex, or adhesives.
  • Antibiotics: You may receive these before or during the procedure. Do not skip a dose unless you are told to.
  • Eating and labs: If sedation is planned, you may be asked not to eat for several hours. Blood counts and clotting studies may be checked.
  • Support: Arrange a ride if you are going home the same day. Many people are already in the hospital.

How is it placed?

  • You lie down so the team can reach the safest path. Monitors track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen.
  • The skin is cleaned and numbed. Sedation is commonly used. You may feel pressure, but not sharp pain.
  • Ultrasound or CT finds the abscess. A needle enters the pocket, a guidewire is passed, and the drain follows the wire.
  • Pus is collected for testing. The drain is stitched or secured to the skin, covered with a dressing, and connected to a bag.
  • The procedure often takes 30 to 90 minutes. You are watched in recovery.

Care Instructions

  • Wash your hands before and after you touch the drain, bag, or dressing. Keep the dressing clean and dry. Change it as directed, or sooner if it is wet, loose, or soiled.
  • Empty the bag when it is about half full. Keep the bag below the abscess so fluid drains by gravity. Do not kink, clamp, or pull the drain.
  • Output is often bloody or thick at first, then slower and clearer. Write down how much comes out if you are asked to.
  • You may usually shower after 48 hours if the team agrees. Cover the site, then change the dressing. Do not bathe or swim.
  • Flush the drain only if you were taught how. It often stays in for several days to a few weeks. Do not remove it yourself.

What to watch out for

Call your care team right away if:

  • The drain comes out, slips, or the stitch breaks. Do not try to push it back in.
  • Drainage stops suddenly, fluid leaks around the skin, or the bag fills with bright red blood.
  • You have a fever, shaking chills, vomiting, or pain that keeps getting worse.
  • The site is red, swollen, or draining new pus around the tube.
  • You feel dizzy or faint, or have chest pain or trouble breathing. Seek emergency care.