…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…

…which is the commonest cause of recurrence. Indications Condition Procedure : : Acute paronychia with fluctuance or visible pus Incision and drainage Acute paronychia without pus formation…

…puncture site Relative Mechanical ventilation with a high PEEP (an increased risk of pneumothorax; ultrasound guidance is mandatory) Relative A very small or loculated effusion —…

…bridge to it. A small (under 10 mm), loculated or purely posterior effusion with no safe route for puncture — surgical drainage or pericardiotomy instead. Relative:…

…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…

…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…

…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…

…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…

…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…

…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…