Abscess Flashcards

1
Q

What is an abscess?

A

Collection of pus in skin, lungs, brain, teeth, kidneys and tonsils.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the aetiology of abscesses?

A
  • Bacteria: S. aureus, MRSA
  • Parasites: rarely; dracunculiasis and myiasis
  • Foreign substances
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the pathophysiology of abscesses?

A

Infective organism/foreign material causes damage and kills local cells, resulting in relase of cytokines. Cytokines trigger an inflammatory response and formation of an abscess. This collection is encapsulated by surrounding cells in an attempt to prevent the abscess from spreading.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is an empyema?

A

Accumulations of pus in a pre-existing (rather than newly formed) cavity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How does cellulitis differ from abscess?

A

Cellulitis is not often associated with purulence.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the epidemiology of abscesses: Most common type?

A

MRSA is most common.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of abscess?

A

Erythema, swelling, tenderness, loss of function. May also be associated with fever.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the investigations for abscess?

A

Diagnosis of skin abscesses is clinical. Internal abscesses are diagnosed by USS or CT. CT is more useful in deeper abscesses such as anus. Would culture is usually unnecessary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How are abscesses treated? (x2)

A
  • INCISION AND DRAINAGE. Closure after drainage does not increase risk of recurrence, apart from anorectal abscesses
  • ANTIBIOTICS: only recommended in addition to I&D in cases of severe abscesses. Flucloxacillin or dicloxacillin in S. aureus aetiology. MRSA can be treated with clindamycin and doxycycline. Antibiotics alone are ineffective due to encapsulation of abscess
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the complications of abscess?

A

Spreading and gangrene.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the prognosis of abscesses?

A

Rarely fatal as they naturally drain through the skin. Brain abscesses have high mortality if left untreated, however.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the indications for incision and drainage?

A

All abscesses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How is incision and drainage performed?

A
  • Incision made parallel to skin tension lines to prevent scar tissue formation
  • Abscess drained
  • After drainage, the wound should be irrigated with normal saline
  • Cover with dressing and tape
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the complications of incision and drainage? (x2)

A

Pain, extension of infection if inadequately drained

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly