Comparing packing versus no packing for treating skin abscesses
Is Routine Packing of Cutaneous Abscesses Necessary?
This study tests whether packing or not packing skin abscesses after draining them helps people avoid needing more treatments later on.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 196 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fresno, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT02822768 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the effects of routine packing of cutaneous abscess cavities after incision and drainage. Patients requiring this procedure will be randomly assigned to receive either packing or no packing. The study aims to determine if packing influences the need for further interventions such as repeat procedures or antibiotic treatment. Follow-up assessments will be conducted within 48 hours and through phone calls at 14 and 30 days post-procedure to evaluate outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who require incision and drainage for a cutaneous abscess.
Not a fit: Patients who are hospitalized for surgery, pregnant, under 18, or unable to return for follow-up may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the best post-operative care for patients with cutaneous abscesses, potentially reducing the need for additional interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Similar studies have explored packing techniques in abscess management, but this specific comparison is less commonly tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. All patients 18 years of age and above 2. Patients that require a cutaneous abscess incision and drainage 3. English-speaking subjects only Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to return for 48-hour follow-up. 2. Patients being admitted to the hospital or going to the operating room for incision and drainage 3. Pregnant patients 4. Patients less than 18 years of age 5. Prisoners or persons in police custody 6. Patients with infected bursa 7. Non-English speaking subjects
Where this trial is running
Fresno, California
- Community Regional Medical Center — Fresno, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Darracq, MD, MPH — UCSF - Fresno
- Study coordinator: Michael Darracq, MD, MPH
- Email: mdarracq@fresno.ucsf.edu
- Phone: 559-499-6440
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.