INCISION AND DRAINAGE

It is the incision and systematic withdrawal of fluids and discharges from a

wound or cavity. The incision should be ample or big enough to allow the
withdrawal of fluids and it should be simple in the sense that it should not destroy
vital structures as for examples, nerves and blood vessels.
As a rule, the drainage should be placed at the most dependent portion of
the cavity although for smaller and superficial wounds or cavities, the drainage
should be done at the area of pointing.
Indications:
1. Incomplete hemostasis.
2. Incomplete removal of foreign bodies.
. !resence of devitali"ed tissues, due to trauma, hematomas, or abscess
formation.
#. $hen in doubt, always drain.
Techni%ue:
The following techni%ue is based on the &ilton's method of incising
abscesses, which according to present day (nowledge is one of the best,
besides being universally accepted.
1. After asepsis and antisepsis over the operative field, incision of the
following layers: the s(in, subcutaneous tissue is done at the most
dependent portion of the abscess.
2. A small or slit incision of the capsule is made.
. A pair of closed round nose forceps is inserted into the small opening of
the capsule and then opened in order to widen the opening.
#. $ithdrawal of the forceps with the blades opened.
). Insertion of drain.
*. +ressing.