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. 2008 Jul 3:8:38.
doi: 10.1186/1472-6920-8-38.

A skin abscess model for teaching incision and drainage procedures

Michael T Fitch  1 , David E Manthey, Henderson D McGinnis, Bret A Nicks, Manoj Pariyadath
Affiliations

A skin abscess model for teaching incision and drainage procedures

Michael T Fitch et al. BMC Med Educ. .

Abstract

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections are increasingly prevalent clinical problems, and it is important for health care practitioners to be well trained in how to treat skin abscesses. A realistic model of abscess incision and drainage will allow trainees to learn and practice this basic physician procedure.

Methods: We developed a realistic model of skin abscess formation to demonstrate the technique of incision and drainage for educational purposes. The creation of this model is described in detail in this report.

Results: This model has been successfully used to develop and disseminate a multimedia video production for teaching this medical procedure. Clinical faculty and resident physicians find this model to be a realistic method for demonstrating abscess incision and drainage.

Conclusion: This manuscript provides a detailed description of our model of abscess incision and drainage for medical education. Clinical educators can incorporate this model into skills labs or demonstrations for teaching this basic procedure.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Initiating the Abscess Model. A simulated abscess is created on the lateral leg of a fresh cadaveric specimen. A) A scalpel is used to make a skin incision and a subcutaneous tunnel to begin the creation of the abscess model. B) A Word catheter is inserted into the subcutaneous tissues.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Injection of Simulated Abscess Material. The simulated abscess material is manually injected using a hand-held syringe. A) After the Word catheter is completely under the skin, a syringe containing the simulated purulent material is connected. B) Filling of the Word catheter creates a life-like subcutaneous abscess of the abdominal wall in a cadaveric specimen. C) Increasing the quantity and filling pressure allows the operator to create abscesses of various sizes, demonstrated here on the lateral abdominal wall.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Using the Abscess Model for Incision and Drainage. The completed abscess model is ready for incision and drainage. A) A scalpel is used to incise the simulated abscess of the abdominal wall, which leads to realistic drainage of the abscess contents. B) Hemostats and a culture swab are used to sample the interior of the abscess cavity. C) A simulated abscess cavity of the lower leg is filled with wound packing material to complete the incision and drainage procedure.
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