Post-BCG axillary abscess: results of excision vs simple drainage

A prospective study was carried out in 80 patients with axillary abscess following BCG vaccination to compare the results of surgical excision versus incision and drainage, together with six months anti-tuberculous chemotherapy in both groups. Four [10%] out of 40 patients who underwent simple incision and drainage required re-operation for residual lymph glands and/or persistent sinuses. On the other hand all 40 cases who underwent total excision had no postoperative problem