…of the abscess or at least half its diameter. Too small an incision is the commonest technical error. 4. Cut straight into the cavity with…

…spicules are left behind — which is the commonest cause of recurrence. Indications Condition Procedure : : Acute paronychia with fluctuance or visible pus Incision and drainage Acute…

…and always urgent. A large pericardial effusion with symptoms despite medical treatment. Diagnostic drainage in suspected purulent pericarditis, tuberculosis or malignancy. Tamponade is a clinical…

…either via the subxiphoid or apical window, is generally considered less effective than thoracotomy. This is because it does not ensure complete drainage of the…

…admission of a patient with known ascites. Clinical deterioration in a cirrhotic patient with ascites: fever, abdominal pain, encephalopathy, rising creatinine, gastrointestinal bleeding, leucocytosis or…

…tuberculous pleurisy or chylothorax. Therapeutic aspiration: dyspnoea caused by a pleural effusion, whatever the aetiology. Chest drainage: empyema, complicated parapneumonic effusion with a pH below…

…a needle due to reduced risk of injury. Thoracostomy should be performed promptly following needle decompression. Thoracostomy with drainage typically serves as a stabilizing intervention…

…equipment A laryngeal mask of the correct size plus one size above and one below. Second generation masks with a separate drainage channel (i gel…

…intracranial hypertension. Therapeutic drainage in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and in assessment before shunt surgery. Contraindications Clinical signs of herniation — deep unconsciousness with unreactive pupils, an…

…retention. Chronic urinary retention with renal impairment or a large residual volume. A need for accurate measurement of urine output in a critically ill patient…