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: