British medical journal (Clinical research ed.)
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Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) · Jun 1982
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialTreatment of acute abscesses in the casualty department.
In the treatment of acute pyogenic soft-tissue abscess incision, curettage, and primary suture was compared with incision and drainage alone in a randomised prospective trial. Operations were performed under antibiotic cover by casualty officers, and patients were reviewed by an independent observer in a septic dressing clinic. ⋯ Primary healing failed to occur in 19 (35%) of the sutured wounds, but there were no other complications in either group. It is concluded that incision and drainage alone is adequate treatment for acute soft-tissue abscess.