A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF LOOP DRAINAGE OF SUBCUTANEOUS ABSCESS- A NEW GOLD STANDARD?

Abscess is a common ailment presenting to the Surgical OPD and Emergency on a daily basis. Conventionally, incision and drainage(ID) by making an incision in the most fluctuant part and later packing the cavity with a wick has been practised(1). We postulate a newer method of loop drainage(LD) of the cavity should be the new Gold Standard. This study aims to compare clinical outcome on conventional incision and drainage versus loop drainage of subcutaneous abscess. Study design was a prospective, observational study. Study was conducted in Silchar Medical College, from 23/12/2022 - 23/06/2023 , with a total of 120 patients. Of the 120 patients followed up, 48 underwent ID and 72 underwent LD. LD patients had a better pain profile post operatively on FLACC and Likert scales (-7.62 D1, 5.46 D3, 4.05 D5), lower treatment failure rate(-10.8%), more favourable scar formation(POSAS patient and observer -17.52, - 10.30). Latex loops had better scores than PVC loops(POSAS - 15.30, - 9.45 vs -18.34, - 12.45). Loop drainage of abscess, especially with Latex Loops have lower failure rates, better compliance and better clinical outcomes. Especially in paediatric patients where ID is more difficult and cumbersome and loss to follow up more common, LD should no doubt be considered the new Gold Standard in surgical practice.