Pilot study to assess the role of minimal access surgery in the management of superficial surgical infections

Introduction The standard treatment for an abscess since time immemorial has been Incision and Drainage [I&D] without primary closure at most sites. Post-I&D, pain and ugly scar are the most common complaints in these patients. In this study, we have evaluated the role of minimal access surgery [MAS] in the management of superficial surgical infections. Materials and methods This was a prospective study, comparing the clinical and cosmetic outcomes of patients undergoing conventional I&D of superficial abscesses and those undergoing MAS [ 5mm incision for a port of 5mm diameter] drainage. Results A total of 50 patients were recruited, out of which 2 patients had a spontaneous rupture. 25 patients underwent I&D and 23 underwent MAS drainage. The mean age was 35.8 ±13.5 years, mean size of the abscess was 6 ± 1.9 cm. Baseline characteristics like age, sex distribution, duration of symptoms, size of the abscess and volume of the pus drained were comparable between the two groups. Resolution of pain and redness was achieved earlier in MAS drainage compared to conventional I&D. Resolution of induration was statistically insignificant. Duration of the need for dressing and duration of return to daily activity was less with MAS drainage. Scar size was significantly less in the MAS drainage group. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated, and both groups had comparable rates of complications and recurrences. Conclusion Our study has shown that MAS drainage offers earlier recovery along with better cosmetic outcomes.