ABSCESS

A collection of purulent matter as the result of inflammation. Inflammation of a ti ue may result in the rapid breaking down of the substance of the ti ue and the formation of pus or matter, or it may take place slowly. In the former case we observe what is termed an acute absce ; in the latter a chronic or cold absce . The breaking down of the ti ue substance is effected by microorganisms of which the matter is full Absce es may occur in almost any ti ue of the body, and may discharge either internally or on the surface. If ate | near the surface, tho usual signs of inflammation will be observed, viz., redne , heat, pain, and swelling. If deeply seated, external manifestations aro usually absent, pain of a deep, DICTIONARY. dull, throbbing character often being the chief symptom. Tho pain is due chiefly to the tension and pre ure of the absce -contents, relief | being obtained as soon as the absoc is opened and the pus evacuated. aa absce es cea not opened by the surgeon very soon disc an opening in the skin produced b obacaian bat when deeply seated, or situated Beneath dense structures, they may “diffuse”’ their contents along the paths of least resistance, and often by so doing bring about considerable Camnage As soon as it is conten Shee ae = formed, the absce should be opened by the scalpel of the surgeon, Waiting until the absce “ brea? is, a3 a rule, the cause of prolonged pain, and greater disintegration of ti ue and constitutional disturbance. Until the absce is fit to be lanced, the part should bo put at rest, fomentations, or the moist heat of a bread or linseed meal poultice applied and some mild aperient saline taken. Chronic absce es usually betoken some constitutional fault or failure of health, and require, besides local treatment, gencral or constitutional treatment. After an absce has pared, or has been opened by the surgeon, the walls of the absce fall together and healing takes place with rapidity. In some cases, however, healing is not complete, and a small track or sinus persists leading from the site of the original absce to the skin opening. In such cases the aid of the strgeon is required 80 that this little canal may be effectively closed. [s. 329]