Abscess Cavity Packing for Skin Abscess
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if packing an abscess cavity after drainage reduces the need for further treatments. Researchers seek to discover whether leaving gauze inside the abscess (a pocket of pus) helps keep it open and draining, compared to not using any packing. This study may suit adults who need a skin abscess drained and can return for a follow-up. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to medical knowledge that could enhance future treatment options.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for patients with skin abscesses?
Research has shown that filling an abscess cavity with packing after it has been cut open and drained isn't always necessary. A review of studies found that packing doesn't significantly affect outcomes like pain or the need for additional treatments. This suggests that packing is generally well-tolerated. However, some studies mention a small risk of issues such as the abscess returning (5.9%) or the formation of a fistula, an abnormal connection between organs (17%).
Overall, packing appears safe, but it might not always be needed. Prospective trial participants should know that this treatment has been studied before, and no major safety concerns have been reported.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores whether packing an abscess cavity with gauze is necessary after draining a skin abscess. Traditionally, packing is used to keep the cavity open, allowing continuous drainage and preventing the wound from closing too soon. However, this trial is investigating whether skipping the packing step might be just as effective, which could simplify the procedure and potentially reduce discomfort for patients. If the "no packing" approach works well, it could mean a less invasive and more comfortable treatment option for patients with skin abscesses.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for skin abscess?
This trial will compare two approaches for treating skin abscesses: packing the abscess cavity with gauze and not packing it. Studies have shown that filling an abscess cavity with material after drainage offers no significant benefits. Research indicates that for abscesses smaller than 5 cm, filling does not alter the outcome. A thorough review found no clear advantage to using this method in such cases. Additionally, leaving the wound unfilled can reduce pain, potentially aiding faster recovery. Overall, evidence suggests that filling might not be necessary for better healing.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
Michael Darracq, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
UCSF - Fresno
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adults over 18 who need an abscess in their skin drained and can come back for a check-up in two days. It's not for pregnant women, minors, prisoners, those with infected bursa, non-English speakers, or patients needing hospital admission.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with or without packing
Initial Follow-up
Participants return for wound check and removal of packing if performed
Extended Follow-up
Participants are monitored for further treatment needs and pain assessment via phone calls
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- No packing
- Packing
Trial Overview
The study is looking at whether putting gauze (packing) into the space where an abscess was after draining it affects the need for more treatments like another drainage procedure, antibiotics, or hospital stays.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
The patient is to have a long piece of gauze within the abscess cavity in an attempt to keep it open and allow purulent material to continue to drain after the initial incision and release of purulent material has been performed.
The patient is not to have packing of the abscess as part of the incision and drainage procedure
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Packing versus non-packing outcomes for abscesses after ...
Answer. No. If the abscess is less than 5 cm, packing does not affect outcomes. Level of Evidence for the Answer.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of packing in ...
These results suggest there is no significant benefit to packing abscess cavities.
3.
journals.lww.com
journals.lww.com/ebp/fulltext/2022/03000/after_incision_and_drainage_for_skin_abscesses,.22.aspxAfter incision and drainage for skin abscesses, does...
The primary outcome was recurrence of abscess at maximum study follow-up period (2 to 4 weeks). Secondary outcomes were development of fistula in-ano and need ...
Study of Wound Packing After Superficial Skin Abscess ...
This study is the first to systematically evaluate the efficacy of wound packing after superficial skin or soft tissue abscess incision and drainage in children ...
5.
probiologists.com
probiologists.com/article/comparing-packing-and-non-packing-of-the-abscess-cavity-post-incision-and-drainage-of-perianal-abscess-a-meta-analysisComparing packing and non-packing of the abscess cavity ...
Conclusion: Not packing the wound post I&D of perianal abscess is associated with significantly reduced VAS pain scores, which may result in improved recovery ...
6.
medcraveonline.com
medcraveonline.com/MOJS/is-cavity-packing-following-cutaneous-abscess-drainage-necessary-a-systematic-review-and-metaanalysis.htmlIs cavity packing following cutaneous abscess drainage ...
Continuous cavity packing for cutaneous abscesses remains controversial and is largely based on proceduralist preference with no standardised ...
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