What is abscess drainage?

An abscess is a collection of infected fluid (pus). To drain an abscess, a doctor may use a needle and syringe to suction the fluid or may place a drainage catheter.

How is abscess drainage performed?

The physician will give your child an ultrasound or CT scan to locate the abscess and decide where to insert the needle. After numbing the skin, the doctor will insert a needle into the abscess and draw out the fluid. The fluid will be sent to a laboratory to find out what caused the infection.

Depending on the location and size of the abscess and the type of fluid obtained in the collection, the doctor may place a small catheter to allow the area to continue to drain for several days.

If the collection of fluid (abscess) is deep in the pelvis, sometimes the best route for the doctor to place a drainage catheter is through the child’s rectum. This is called trans-rectal abscess drainage.

Will my child be awake for the procedure?

Maybe. Depending on your child’s medical history and the location of the abscess, we will use intravenous sedation or general anesthesia so that your child isn't awake; or we will use only local numbing medicine.

What risks are associated with abscess drainage?

The procedure is considered low risk. However, potential complications include:

• bleeding
• infection
• injury to adjacent organs, especially the colon/intestines or bladder (if the abscess is in the abdomen)

Will my child have pain after the procedure?

Some children may experience pain or discomfort in the area of the abscess. You may give your child over-the-counter pain medication.

If my child has a drainage catheter, what can we expect after the procedure?

Your child will spend several hours in the recovery room.

How is the drainage catheter removed?

The catheter will be in place for as long as it takes most of the fluid to drain; usually this is several days. The catheter is usually removed at the child’s bedside (for inpatients) or in Interventional Radiology (for outpatients). This is quick and easy: the stitch is cut, the catheter removed and a small bandage placed over the site.

When can my child bathe?

If your child doesn’t have a drainage catheter, the bandage must stay dry and in place for 24 hours. Then you may remove the clear bandage and gauze and your child may shower or bathe as usual.

If your child has a drainage catheter, the bandage will remain in place as long as the catheter is in place. In addition, the catheter will be secured with a locking device (StatLock®) which must not be removed. Please sponge-bathe around the bandage. Your child may resume showers or baths 24 hours after the catheter is removed.