Breast Abscess Drainage

Breast abscess drainage is a surgical technique that drains pus that has built up in the breast due to an infection and is causing pain. Breast abscesses occur in 3 to 11 percent of females experiencing mastitis as a complication, with an estimated prevalence of 0.1–3% among lactating mothers.

1. Breast abscesses traditionally by surgical incision allows  drainage of the abscess, which is usually performed under general anesthesia followed by the administration of antibiotics. This treatment strategy can  help one get the infection to stop and prevent the formation of fistula ( A fistula is a connection between two body parts or organs that don't normally connect).
2. More recently, the use of US-guided needle aspiration, or drainage with a catheter, has been shown to successfully treat breast abscesses, which is more successful strategy for the treatment of breast abscesses .

Procedural Description

1. To drain a breast abscess, a surgical incision is made, which is usually done under general anaesthesia and with antibiotics. Bacteria infect the nipple through fissures in the skin, a clogged milk duct, such as a nipple piercing, and perhaps a breast implant.
2. The fluid in the lump may need to be drained by doctors. They can use a needle to retrieve the fluid or a small incision in the skin to drain it. 
3. Pus drainage is typically the most effective treatment for a breast abscess. 

What to expect before the surgery?

The week before your procedure:

1. Ask the doctor if any over-the-counter medicine is to be stopped.
2. You might be asked to get some blood tests from your doctor.
3. The night before your procedure:
4. Your doctor might direct you about your eating and drinking schedule.

What to expect on the day of surgery?

1. The healthcare team briefly describes the procedure, the after-effects, the recovery period, and other information.
2. ECG is used for monitoring your heart's activity.
3. Blood tests are carried out
4. Monitoring of oxygen in blood via pulse oximeter.
5. Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature are also recorded.

What to expect during the surgery?

1. A breast abscess is treated by draining the pus-filled region. 
2. Your doctor will first use local anaesthesia to numb your skin to don't feel any pain. 
3. The pus will then be removed either by creating a small cut & physically draining the abscesses or by using a needle to extract the pus. 
4. You may expect to go back on the same day of the surgery.
5. Antibiotics along with warm compresses will most certainly be prescribed to relieve you from the pain. 

What to expect after the surgery?

Treatment of breast abscess can lead to following complications:

1.  Asymmetrical breasts 
2. Internal sores 
3. Scarring change to nipples and/or breast tissues

Process of recovery after discharge from hospital

1. The abscesses will heal entirely within just a few days or weeks. You might be able to feed with both breasts.
2. This is determined by the intensity of the primary infection and the recurrence of the abscess. 
3. Antibiotics will be administered following treatment to prevent future infection.
4. Even if you're starting to feel better, take the complete dose as directed.

Aftercare

1. Bathe as usual. 
2. Wait till the drain is emptied before washing the wound. 
3. After removing the drain, carefully cleanse the incision with water and unscented soap. 
4. Dry the wound and re-bandage as advised.

Medications

1. Antibiotics cure or prevent bacterial illnesses. 
2. Painkillers: You may be given painkillers.