- Larger hernias
- Recurrent hernias (previously repaired but returned)
- Incisional hernias (at the site of a previous operation)
- Patients with weakened abdominal muscles or previous complications
An abscess is a painful collection of pus caused by infection. Left untreated, it can enlarge, spread, and make you feel unwell. The most effective treatment is a minor procedure called incision and drainage (I&D).
Through RCG Health, a multidisciplinary team led by Mr Ricardo Camprodon (Consultant General & Upper GI Surgeon), patients receive safe, evidence-based treatment. The focus is not only on relieving pain and clearing infection, but also on addressing underlying causes — such as sebaceous cysts or pilonidal disease — to reduce the chance of recurrence.
What Is I&D?
Incision and drainage is a minor surgical procedure where:
- A small cut is made into the abscess
- Pus is released, and the cavity is gently cleaned
- The wound is left open (sometimes packed with a dressing) so it heals from the inside out
Most abscesses can be treated under local anaesthesia. Larger or deeper abscesses may need a short general anaesthetic.
Why Is It Needed?
Drainage is recommended when an abscess is:
- Large or very painful
- Not improving with antibiotics
- Causing fever or making you feel unwell
- Located in a sensitive or higher-risk area
- Repeatedly recurring
What Happens During the Procedure?
- The skin is cleaned and numbed with anaesthetic
- A small cut is made to release pus
- The cavity is washed; a sample may be sent to the lab
- A dressing or light packing is placed, and the wound is left open to heal
Relief is often immediate once the pus has been drained.
What Does the Evidence Say?
- I&D is the gold standard — once pus has formed, antibiotics alone rarely work.
- Antibiotics after drainage are only needed if infection is spreading or if risk factors such as diabetes or weak immunity are present.
- Underlying causes matter — pilonidal abscesses, for example, recur in 15–40% of cases if only drained.
Recovery
- Relief is usually immediate after drainage
- Dressings may need daily changes at first
- Healing typically takes 2–3 weeks for small abscesses, longer for larger or deeper ones
- Most patients go home the same day
Risks
Like all procedures, I&D carries some small risks:
- Bleeding or bruising
- Delayed healing or infection
- Recurrence of the abscess
- A small scar at the healed site
Antibiotics
Not everyone needs antibiotics. They are prescribed only if there is:
- Spreading redness (cellulitis)
- Fever or systemic illness
- Diabetes or reduced immunity
What If It Comes Back?
Not all abscesses are “one-off” events. Sometimes the underlying cause needs to be treated to stop them from returning.
- Sebaceous (epidermoid) cysts – these are small sacs under the skin that can become infected and form abscesses. If the cyst wall is not removed, the abscess may return. In such cases, surgical excision of the cyst is the definitive treatment. (See our page on skin lumps and cysts for more details.)
- Pilonidal disease – in the cleft between the buttocks, abscesses are often linked to pilonidal disease. Simple drainage provides relief, but recurrence is common, reported in 15–40% of cases. In these situations, definitive surgery (such as the Sail Flap technique) is usually needed to prevent repeat infections.
Mr Ricardo Camprodon and the RCG Health multidisciplinary team regularly perform revision surgery for patients with recurrent abscesses, tailoring treatment to the underlying cause.
Preparing for Surgery
You can improve healing and reduce risk by:
- Stopping smoking
- Managing diabetes effectively
- Keeping the skin clean and dry
- For pilonidal disease: considering hair removal to reduce recurrence risk
Why Patients Choose RCG Health
- Consultant-led care — Mr Ricardo Camprodon performs every abscess procedure
- Tailored treatment — each abscess is assessed individually, with causes addressed where possible
- Evidence-based approach — procedures follow international guidelines, with antibiotics only used when needed
- Supportive aftercare — clear dressing guidance and follow-up to ensure smooth healing
Next Steps
If you think you have an abscess, don’t wait. Early treatment prevents the spread and helps you recover faster.
📞 Contact RCG Health today to arrange an assessment and discuss treatment options.
FAQs
What is incision and drainage?
It’s a quick procedure where a small cut is made to release pus, clean the cavity, and allow healing.
Do I need antibiotics?
Not usually — only if infection is spreading or there are risk factors such as diabetes.
How long does recovery take?
Around 2–3 weeks for smaller abscesses, longer for larger or deeper ones.
Can it come back?
Yes. Recurrence is common if the abscess comes from a sebaceous cyst or pilonidal disease. In those cases, further surgery may be needed to prevent it from returning.
Is it painful?
The anaesthetic prevents pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterwards is normal, but usually well controlled with simple painkillers.
Further Reading & References
- BMJ Guideline (2018): Antibiotics not always needed after I&D
- NHS Trust Patient Leaflets: I&D as gold standard for abscesses
- ASCRS Guideline (2019): Pilonidal abscess recurrence is common after I&D alone
- Systematic Reviews: Drainage is more effective than antibiotics alone
