The technique of [incision] and [drainage] (I&D) is a simple but important treatment in the provision of care for [abscess|abscesses]. The [goal] of the I&D is to [convert] an [enclosed] [lesion] (generally a [cyst] or abscess) into an open one. This allows [necrotic] and [infected] material within the lesion to be removed from the [body], and allows normal [healing] processes to resume.

I&D is generally quick, relatively [painless] (even without [anesthesia]), and [simple] enough for most [health care] [provider|providers] to easily [master]. The offending lesion is located, the area where it is closest to the [surface] is defined, nearby [delicate] or easily-damaged tissues (such as [nerve|nerves] and [artery|arteries]) are isolated and [avoidance|avoided], and a quick, [short] incisoin is made deep enough to [pierce] the [fluctuant] portion of the lesion.

Once I&D's, the [cavity] is generally [probe|probed] to rule out [loculate|loculated] collections of material. Depending on the size of the collection, the incision could be kept open using a [drain] of [rubber], or of some [absorbant] material that will act as a [wick] to draw out any [exude|exuded] material. If the [intention] is to allow extended drainage for over twenty-four hours, the incision can be made in a [cross] or "X" shape, or a [plug] of [skin] (or [mucosa]) can be removed to leave an open [tract] into the cavity allowing further drainage. The body generally heals these larger cavities from the [bottom] up, filling in the cavity incrementally.

(This is not something I would wish on anyone.)

Based on my personal training, knowledge, and experience

Incision and drainage (idea)