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BREAST ABSCESS DRAINAGE

General Information

DEFINITION--To open and drain an abscess in the female breast.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Lactating breast; nipple; lactiferous ducts.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Relief of pain and prevention of the spread of infection.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

  • Obesity.
  • Smoking.
  • Stress.
  • Poor nutrition.
  • Recent or chronic illness.
  • Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
  • Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon or obstetrician-gynecologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, emergency room, doctor's office or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

  • Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
  • After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed pus.

ANESTHESIA

  • Local anesthesia by injection.
  • General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

  • An incision is made in the breast extending outward from the nipple. The incision is deepened and pus is removed.
  • An instrument is forced into the abscess. Pockets of pus are broken up by the surgeon's finger. The opening is enlarged and the area is irrigated with a salt solution. Gauze packing is inserted to allow drainage.
  • The skin edges are brought together loosely around the drain.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Excessive bleeding.
  • Surgical-wound infection.
  • Slow healing.
  • Breast engorgement, if breast is not emptied regularly of milk.
  • Recurrence.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 2 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete recovery without complications. Nursing can usually be resumed on the affected side in about 2 weeks. Allow about 3 weeks for complete recovery from surgery.


Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

  • A hard ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede gradually.
  • Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
  • Bathe and shower as usual. After removal of the drain, you may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.
  • Change dressings daily after bathing.
  • If you continue nursing, use a breast pump on the abscessed side to prevent engorgement. Continue to nurse from the unaffected breast. The infant is unlikely to become infected.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

    being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

  • Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 2 days after returning home.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.


Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occurs:

  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
  • Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
  • New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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