Looped penrose drain for minimally invasive treatment of complex superficial abscesses of the hand: innovations in technique.

Complex superficial abscesses are a common occurrence that traditionally have been treated by making relatively large incisions over the surface of the abscess, in order to ensure drainage and access for packing and dressing changes. The authors outline a minimally invasive technique that can be used for draining complex subcutaneous abscesses that extend over a large surface area. It is a simple technique utilizing multiple small incisions and looped penrose drains. This technique has been found to be very effective in many areas of the body and has multiple advantages over traditional incision, drainage, gauze packing, and dressing changes.