An option for abscess management is the loop drainage technique, in which two incisions are made, the abscess is deloculated and drained, and a loop drain (or similar material) is pulled through the incisions and tied to allow for ongoing drainage. Video courtesy of Brian Hinrichsen, PA-C, and Brad Frazee, MD. Procedure performed by Briane Hinrichsen.
Mobile Video (180p) 14.3 MB - MP4Small Video (400p) 14.7 MB - MP4Standard Video (720p) 72.4 MB - MP4
Tim V. - October 2, 2019 10:12 PM
Great video, thanks. As an alternative to the Penrose drain consider a vascular tie. Much smaller.
Jonathan G. - October 7, 2019 9:44 AM
Great video! Thanks! You also use cut the cuff from a surgical glove.
Drewry C. - October 10, 2019 11:42 AM
Is there any difference in outcomes w/ this technique vs. standard I&D?
Jess Mason - October 10, 2019 2:26 PM
There is limited data to answer this. From what we know so far it probably has similar outcomes. I think there’s a group studying this currently.
Mel H. - October 14, 2020 1:53 PM
We have literature on this now...this is a good paper and loop drainage worked better esp. in kids! It will be reviewed in December EMA...
A randomized controlled trial of novel loop drainage technique versus standard incision and drainage in the treatment of skin abscesses
Ladde J, Baker S, Lilburn N, et al. Acad Emerg Med. August 2020. doi:10.1111/acem.14106.
Journal: Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
PMID: 32770686