Breast Abscess Drainage

Overview

A breast abscess is a pus-filled pocket that occurs when a breast infection has not been treated adequately. It is seen in breastfeeding women or women who have developed cracked nipples due to mastitis. Abscesses in the breast can cause excruciating agony; surgery is required if a large abscess does not respond to medical treatment .

What Is A Breast Abscess?

Your nipples are a potential entry point for bacteria into your breasts. As a result, you develop a breast abscess, a  pus-filled pocket inside your breasts. Breast abscesses can also appear in men and non-breastfeeding women. The bacteria that cause abscesses may enter the breast through:

1. Cuts and cracks on the nipple
2. Cuts on the skin 
3. The milk duct
4. Nipple piercings

One of the signs of a breast abscess is a painful, red swelling. The damaged breast feels warm to the touch and is incredibly delicate. There may also be a fever and generalized body aches. A clinical diagnosis of a breast abscess follows a thorough breast examination. A breast infection might occasionally resemble a breast abscess.

A breast abscess is treated by removing the pus by a surgical procedure called breast abscess drainage. It is done under sterile and aseptic conditions and requires you to be sedated and in an operating room.

How To Prepare For A Breast Abscess Drainage?

The pus must be drained out when the abscess is large and painful. This is a surgical procedure known as breast abscess drainage. It is done under local anesthesia. Here is how you can prepare yourself for the procedure.

• Discuss your medical history with your doctor and explain your regular medications, including supplements and herbs. Your doctor will ask you about any allergies, if present.
• You will be asked to undergo routine tests like blood work, urine examination, X-ray, and (Electrocardiogram) ECG. Your doctor might suggest a breast ultrasound scan to make a certain diagnosis. High-frequency sound waves are produced during this test to obtain images of the inside of the breast. 
• You may be advised to undergo an FNAC (Fine needle aspiration cytology) examination in which a needle is used to aspirate the fluid from the abscess. The fluid is then sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. This test eliminates the possibility of malignancy and other infections while confirming the abscess diagnosis.
• Your surgeon will explain the procedure to you in detail and be asked to sign an informed consent form to proceed with the surgery.
• You will be given the option of local or general anesthesia. You can discuss this with your surgeon and opt for the suited one.
• As it is a daycare procedure, you can go home the same day. You should arrange for a family member to drive you home after the surgery. 

What Happens During A Breast Abscess Drainage?

A Breast abscess drainage procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes and is performed under sterile and aseptic conditions. Here is what will happen to you in this procedure.

A Breast abscess drainage procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes and is performed under sterile and aseptic conditions. Here is what will happen to you in this procedure.

• You will be admitted to the hospital on the day of the procedure. An intravenous (IV) line will be set up to give you fluids and medicines.
• The target area will be cleaned and made aseptic, and anesthesia will be given to numb the operated area so you do not feel pain.
• A small incision is made near the abscess site, and the pus will be drained out.
• Alternatively, the pus may be aspirated out with the help of a needle. Once all the pus has been removed, the area will be cleaned again, and the incision is left open to heal from the inside out.
• The wound is dressed to keep the area dry.
• A sample of the pus that has been aspirated is sent to the laboratory for further testing and evaluation.

What Happens During A Breast Abscess Drainage?

A Breast abscess drainage procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes and is performed under sterile and aseptic conditions. Here is what will happen to you in this procedure.

• You will be admitted to the hospital on the day of the procedure. An intravenous (IV) line will be set up to give you fluids and medicines.
• The target area will be cleaned and made aseptic, and anesthesia will be given to numb the operated area so you do not feel pain.
• A small incision is made near the abscess site, and the pus will be drained out.
• Alternatively, the pus may be aspirated out with the help of a needle. Once all the pus has been removed, the area will be cleaned again, and the incision is left open to heal from the inside out.
• The wound is dressed to keep the area dry.
• A sample of the pus that has been aspirated is sent to the laboratory for further testing and evaluation.

What to Expect After A Breast Abscess Drainage?

Once the pus has been drained out and the wound has been dressed, you will be taken to the recovery room. If a drain was placed during the procedure, it would be removed after a few hours. You will be sent home with complete instructions on how to care for your wound at home. Recovery from a breast abscess drainage may take 2 to  3 weeks. Here is what you must remember during the recovery process-

• You can use warm, moist compresses on the operated area.
• Keep the operated area dry at all times.
• Watch for symptoms like fever, pain, and redness at the wound.
• If you see pus or blood oozing at the wound or from your nipples, call your surgeon immediately.
• Call your surgeon if you experience pain during breastfeeding.

Remembering that breast abscesses tend to recur after treatment (30-40%), hence, prompt diagnosis and treatment will help avoid a repeat drainage procedure.

What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Breast Abscess Drainage?

A breast abscess is a painful condition requiring incision and drainage to remove all the pus. As with all surgical procedures, breast abscess drainage has pros and cons.

Benefits of Breast Abscess Drainage

1. Draining ensures that the pus is fully eliminated from the breast.
2. It ensures that the abscess does not recur.
3. The pain and discomfort are cured completely.
4. The risk of infection is negated.

Risks Of Breast Abscess Drainage

1. Unexpected bleeding- This may happen if some blood vessels near the abscess are cut accidentally during the surgery.
2. Infection- If the wound is not dressed properly and kept dry at all times, germs may find their way into it, leading to an infection.
3. Engorgement of the breast in breastfeeding women- Women may refrain from feeding from the breast that was drained as it might be difficult and painful initially. This leads to the accumulation of milk and makes the breast engorged and painful. WHO guidelines state that you start feeding from the drained breast as early as possible to avoid engorgement.

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!