Incision and drainage of abscess (hematoma) of the nasal septum, furuncle, and carbuncle of the nose

The appearance of purulent inflammation or a large hematoma in the nasal area is not just a cosmetic defect, but a condition that requires emergency medical care. The area of the nose and nasolabial triangle is extremely richly supplied with blood, and the vessels from here lead directly to the brain. That is why any delay or attempt to treat the problem on your own can lead to severe, life-threatening complications.

Otolaryngologists at St. Luke’s Clinic provide fast, safe, and painless surgical care for purulent-inflammatory processes and nasal injuries, guaranteeing immediate relief and reliable prevention of complications.

What pathologies do we treat?

Surgical incision and drainage is the only correct method of treatment for the following conditions:

• Hematoma and abscess of the nasal septum: Most often occurs after nasal trauma. Blood accumulates under the mucous membrane of the septum (hematoma), which, without timely removal, quickly becomes infected and turns into an abscess. This is accompanied by sharp pain, inability to breathe through the nose, and high fever.
• Nasal furuncle: Acute purulent inflammation of the hair follicle and sebaceous gland (most often on the tip or wings of the nose, less often inside the nostril). Accompanied by severe throbbing pain, swelling, and redness.
• Nasal carbuncle: A more severe condition when several adjacent hair follicles become inflamed at once. A large, extremely painful purulent focus with several “cores” forms, causing severe intoxication of the body.

🚨 The “Triangle of Death” rule: what you absolutely cannot do!

Doctors rightly call the area from the bridge of the nose to the corners of the lips the “triangle of death”. It is strictly forbidden to independently squeeze, puncture, or heat (apply compresses) furuncles or abscesses on the nose!

When squeezing, pus can break through not outwards, but inwards — into the blood vessels. This threatens with the rapid development of cavernous sinus thrombosis, sepsis (blood poisoning), or purulent meningitis (inflammation of the brain membranes).

How is the procedure performed at St. Luke’s Clinic?

Incision and drainage of abscesses or hematomas is a short outpatient manipulation performed in sterile conditions in the ENT office.

1. Anesthesia: The doctor uses effective local anesthesia (injection of a modern anesthetic or topical anesthesia). The patient does not feel acute pain during the manipulation.
2. Incision: A neat miniature incision is made with a scalpel over the focus of inflammation (or hematoma).
3. Cleaning: The cavity is thoroughly cleaned of pus, necrotic (dead) tissues, or blood clots. The focus is generously washed with solutions of potent antiseptics.
4. Drainage: To prevent the wound from closing prematurely and to allow residual pus to freely exit, the doctor installs a small drain (a rubber strip or a turunda soaked in a hypertonic solution).
5. Dressing: A sterile dressing is applied.

Immediately after incision and pus discharge, the patient feels significant relief: throbbing pain disappears, swelling begins to subside, and temperature decreases.

Rehabilitation and postoperative care

After the procedure, you will need to come to the clinic for several dressings (usually 2-3 times), during which the doctor will wash the wound, change the drain, and monitor the healing process.

For successful recovery, the following are mandatory:

• A course of broad-spectrum antibiotics (to completely eliminate the infection in the body).
• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications.
• Treatment of the wound with antiseptic ointments at home.

Do not play roulette with your health. If a painful lump or nasal injury appears, immediately make an emergency appointment with an ENT doctor at St. Luke’s Clinic.