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Opening and drainage of abscess, empyema
Types of treatment

Opening and drainage of abscess, empyema

Intracranial and spinal epidural abscesses and subdural empyemas are pockets or localized collections of pus that form between the skull and the top layer of tissue (dura mater (DMT)) that covers the brain.

Subdural empyema is a pocket of pus that collects between the DVM and the middle layer of tissue (the arachnoid membrane) that covers the brain.

Intracranial epidural abscesses and subdural empyemas develop outside the brain matter but inside the skull or spinal canal.

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Inside the skull, the brain is covered by three layers of tissue called the meninges:

Dura mater (outer layer),
Arachnoid (middle layer),
Pia mater (inner layer).

An intracranial epidural abscess develops between the outer covering (EM) and the skull. A subdural empyema forms between the arachnoid and dura mater.

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Types of treatment

The main method of treatment for intracranial and spinal abscesses and empyema is surgery.

Performing a spinal (lumbar) puncture is ineffective. If there is a large abscess or empyema in the cranial cavity, the evacuation of cerebrospinal fluid during the puncture can lead to the displacement of the brain downward and its wedging into natural openings and crevices.

Brain stem compression can lead to death.

For brain abscesses larger than 2 cm in diameter, empyemas that cause displacement of the brain, surgical drainage is used. It involves inserting a thin tube into the abscess cavity to remove pus and rinse it with antiseptics.

Surgery of such formations is a very important and necessary manipulation, since the breakthrough of pus into the space surrounding the brain leads to severe complications and even death of the patient. It is extremely important to carry out treatment in a timely manner, since its postponement leads to a significant increase in brain damage.

Therefore, timely and as radical treatment as possible by professionals is the key to success in this complex and deadly disease.

In infants, an abscess or empyema can sometimes be punctured directly through the skull base to remove pus and reduce intracranial pressure. If the source of infection is in the adjacent sinuses or middle ear, concurrent surgery to drain these abscesses will likely be necessary.

If you have any of the signs or symptoms mentioned in the article, we recommend that you make an appointment with a specialist.

Make an appointment with a doctor

Стаття написана: 22.01.2026

Стаття перевірена медичним спеціалістом: 23.01.2026

Автор статті: Леонтьєв Олексій

Усі напрямки категорії: Radical surgeries: opening and drainage of abscesses, empyema

How to get treatment Radical surgeries: opening and drainage of abscesses, empyema to a neurosurgeon in Ternopil?

If you need treatment from a neurosurgeon in Ternopil, you should follow these steps:

Contact your family doctor or specialist who can recommend a neurosurgeon in Ternopil.
Contact the nearest medical facility to receive a referral for a consultation with a neurosurgeon in Ternopil.
Make an appointment for a consultation with your chosen neurosurgeon in Ternopil. You can do this through the contact center of the medical institution, using the online appointment form on the hospital website, or directly contact the reception.
Prepare all necessary medical documentation, including test results, X-rays, and other tests. This will help the doctor better understand your condition and prescribe the necessary treatment.
During your consultation, your neurosurgeon will review your medical records, perform additional tests, and prescribe treatment based on your diagnosis. They will also give you advice on how to care for yourself during your treatment.

Where can you go Radical surgeries: opening and drainage of abscesses, empyema in Ternopil?

In Ternopil, there are several options where you can get help:

1. Ternopil Regional Clinical Hospital:

It has a neurosurgery department where qualified specialists can diagnose and treat developmental abnormalities of the nervous system.
The head of the neurosurgery department is Oleksiy Oleksandrovych Leontiev, an experienced neurosurgeon who has successfully performed many operations to treat developmental anomalies.
Contact information:
- Address: Ternopil, 14 Trolleybusna St.
- Phone: (073) 486 18 85 .

2. Private medical institutions:

There are also several private medical institutions in Ternopil that offer services for the diagnosis and treatment of developmental anomalies.
It is recommended to read reviews about these institutions and compare their prices before making a final choice.

Importantly:

Before contacting any medical facility, it is recommended to consult with your family doctor.
You must have all necessary medical documents with you, such as an outpatient card, test results, and examinations.

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The article was checked by a neurosurgeon of the highest category: LEONTIEV OLEKSII.

It is of general informational nature and does not replace specialist advice. For recommendations on diagnosis and treatment, a doctor’s consultation is required.

Address

14 Trolleybusna St., Ternopil

Phone

+38 067 301 33 03

Reception hours

Mon-Fri: 8:30 – 17:30

The importance of examination by a specialist

A neurosurgical examination is a significant procedure that helps identify various diseases of the brain and nervous system. Such procedures are a necessary step in determining the diagnosis and planning treatment.

A professional neurosurgeon is able to perform various types of examinations, such as MRI, CT, PET, and others, which allow obtaining detailed information about the structure and function of the brain. The examination may also include a neurological examination, cognitive function testing, and other methods of assessing the patient’s condition.

The importance of examination by a neurosurgeon is that it allows for timely detection of the disease and initiation of effective treatment. This determines not only the success of the patient’s recovery, but also the quality of his life in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a qualified specialist and undergo all the necessary examinations.

Professional equipment for neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is a highly complex branch of medicine concerned with the surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. These procedures require precision down to the millimeter, as any imprecise movement can lead to serious consequences, such as neurological impairment and even death of the patient.

Therefore, the neurosurgical drape must be very precise and tailored to the specific needs of this procedure, as it provides protection against contamination, infection and excessive pressure on the head during surgery. A professional drape system helps the neurosurgeon work more efficiently and provides maximum protection for both the patient and the surgical team working on the operation.

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Advantages

When you consult a neurosurgeon, you can expect:

Skill in performing complex surgical operations on the brain and spinal cord, as well as on the nerves.
Caring for our patients, ensuring they have the most comfortable course of treatment.
Knowledge of the latest technologies and treatment methods, which are constantly being improved.
Neurosurgery gives a chance for a new life!