Use of a punch biopsy tool as an alternative approach for incision and drainage of abscesses

The incision and drainage of an inflamed or infected cutaneous abscess is a common medical intervention. Traditionally, common practice involves the insertion of a #11 (or similar) scalpel blade to incise an abscess, forming a small linear opening superficially, thus allowing the drainage of purulent contents over several days. Premature skin closure occurs frequently due to the linear wound edges yielding to close approximation. In an effort to...