The entire process of a boil incision and drainage procedure
Mar 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
The patient was placed in a prone position and administered anesthesia by the anesthetist. After the anesthesia took effect, a cruciate incision was made on the site of the boil. Pressure was applied to the surrounding area to drain the pus, which was wiped away with gauze. Once no further pus exuded upon pressure, the physician inserted a finger into the incision to explore the abscess cavity. After confirming no abnormalities within the cavity, the cavity was packed with Vaseline gauze, leaving a small portion outside the incision for drainage.
A furuncle (boil) is a purulent infection involving the hair follicle and surrounding deeper tissues, which can develop anywhere on the body. It is generally treated through a surgical procedure known as incision and drainage. The procedure should be performed at a正规 medical facility. Taking a boil on the back as an example, the specific steps are as follows:
1. After entering the operating room, the patient assumes a prone position to expose the surgical site.
2. The doctor disinfects the skin surface using an antiseptic solution such as iodophor, then drapes the area. Meanwhile, the anesthesiologist draws up anesthetic medication and administers it, advancing from the distal end toward the abscess cavity.
3. Once anesthesia takes effect, the physician makes a cruciate (cross-shaped) incision over the boil, presses around the incision to drain the pus, and wipes away the discharged pus with gauze.
4. After pressing and confirming no further pus is discharged, the doctor inserts a finger into the incision to explore the abscess cavity.
5. After confirming there are no remaining abnormalities within the abscess cavity, the doctor packs the cavity with Vaseline-impregnated gauze, leaving a small portion outside the incision for continued drainage, then applies compression dressing. The procedure concludes at this point.
After surgery, patients should maintain good personal hygiene, avoid prolonged exposure to high-temperature environments or excessive sweating, and refrain from chronic alcohol consumption.
