Incision and Drainage Versus Needle Aspiration in Soft Tissue Abscesses

Ultrasound Guided Needle Drainage Versus Formal Incision and Drainage of Superficial Soft Tissue Abscesses in the Emergency Department Setting

The incidence of skin and soft tissue infections has increased dramatically over the last decade, in part due to increased prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). Incision and drainage (I&D) is considered the primary intervention, however some clinicians prefer ultrasound guided needle aspiration (US Asp). The investigators performed a randomized trial comparing US Asp to I&D for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue abscesses, with a subgroup analysis of patients with CA-MRSA.

Inclusion Criteria:

• presenting to emergency department with skin abscess
• abscess required surgical drainage
• healthy appearing

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant
• unable to give consent
• abscess located in oral cavity
• abscess located on genitalia
• abscess located intra-gluteal at coccyx