Abscess

Question 1

Abscess definition

Answer 1

Defensive reaction of tissue to prevent the spread of infectious materials to other parts of the body, consists of a collection of pus that has built up within a tissue, organ or confined space walled off by fibrosis

Question 2

Abscess causes

Answer 2

Bacterial (mostly)
Parasites (developing world)
Foreign substances

Question 3

External abscesses

Answer 3

Skin surface = cutaneous and subcutaneous

- usually staph aureus

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of external abscesses

Answer 4

Erythema
Hot
Oedema
Pain
Loss of function
(inflammatory signs)

Question 5

Internal abscesses

Answer 5

Lungs
Brain
Teeth
Kidneys
Tonsils
Perianal (IBD/diabetes)
Incisional

Question 6

Signs and symptoms of internal abscesses

Answer 6

Systemically unwell
Pain
Fever

Question 7

Investigations for abscesses

Answer 7

- clinical diagnosis
Hx
Examination
Obs
- US can help diagnosis

Question 8

Management of abscesses

Answer 8

Uncomplicated/soft tissue

• aspiration
• incision and drainage
• no ABx

Severe/multiple/rapid progression/cellulitis/sepsis

• ABx
• incision and drainage
• excision in severe cases

Foreign objects = remove