Packing versus non-packing outcomes for abscesses after incision and drainage.

ABSTRACT

CLINICAL QUESTION In non-diabetic, non-immunocompromised individuals with skin abscesses, does packing after incision and drainage (I&D) reduce the risk of recurrence or reintervention compared with not packing? ANSWER No. If the abscess is less than 5 cm, packing does not affect outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE FOR THE ANSWER B. DATE SEARCH WAS CONDUCTED November 2014. INCLUSION CRITERIA Published RCTs and meta-analysis studies. EXCLUSION CRITERIA Abscess greater than 5 cm, abscess in diabetics, abscess in immunocompromised.