Sticky Notes

Abscess Procedure

History: when first noticed, systemic sx, previous lesions

NV, skin assessment

Betadine prep

Dome and/or field block top of lesion

Recheck anesthesia

Apply a piece of tape to edge of your field

Set up clean field, may use non sterile gloves

Open lesion with scalpel following skin tension lines if possible

Evacuate pus, rinse out with NS or suction, instill lidocaine inside

Break loculations with curved hemostat. May need to evacuate pus again

Place packing with clean forcep or curved hemostat

Tape down packing if possible

Build up absorbent dressing

Packing removal/change in 48 hours

Antibiotics depending on size of abscess, history, comorbidities, follow-up

Suturing Procedure

History of injury

NV assessment

Imaging?

Local anesthesia/ digital block (might do before imaging for pain control/ time management)

Thorough flushing/ cleansing

Recheck of anesthesia, touch up as needed

Ergonomic patient position with good lighting

Finger tourniquet if needed to control bleeding

Sterile field set-up, throw on suture pack(s)

Glove up

Suture

Suture needle in sharps container