Are routine microbiological investigations indicated in the management of non-perianal cutaneous abscesses?

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  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Publications Office, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Country of Publication: Scotland NLM ID: 101168329 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 1479-666X (Print) Linking ISSN: 1479666X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Surgeon Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Original Publication: Edinburgh : Publications Office, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, 2003-
    • Subject Terms:
      Abscess/*microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*therapeutic use ; Bacteria/*isolation & purification ; Skin Diseases, Bacterial/*microbiology; Abscess/drug therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Diseases, Bacterial/drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome
    • Abstract:
      Background: It is common practice to take a specimen of pus for microscopy and bacterial culture during drainage of abscesses. The aim of this study was to determine if routine culture and sensitivity had any therapeutic value in the care of patients with non-perianal cutaneous abscesses.
      Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis ofall patients undergoing drainage ofa cutaneous abscess during a two year period (June 2003 - June 2005) was performed. Patients were identified from the hospital database and theatre records, and those with perianal, pilonidal or surgical wound sepsis were excluded. Notes were reviewed for clinical details, culture results, subsequent admissions and attendance at follow-up.
      Results: Of the 239 patients treated during this period, 74 patients had 77 operations to drain abscesses that matched the inclusion criteria. Specimens were sent from 52 (67.5%) procedures. Only 65.4% had an organism identified, of which methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was the most commonly isolated organism (36.5%). Forty-one point six per cent of patients received antibiotics as part of their treatment. The results of the bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivities were not known prior to discharge of any patient.
      Conclusion: This study shows that bacteriology swabs are frequently taken during incision and drainage of non-perianal cutaneous abscesses and had little impact on the subsequent treatment, though these results may not be applicable to immune-compromised patients.
    • Accession Number:
      0 (Anti-Bacterial Agents)
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20080814 Date Completed: 20080916 Latest Revision: 20191111
    • Publication Date:
      20240829
    • Accession Number:
      10.1016/s1479-666x(08)80028-5
    • Accession Number:
      18697361