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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