OPERATION: Incision and Drainage of Breast Abscess
ANAESTHETIC: General anaesthesia [local infiltration anaesthesia inadequate for multilocular abscess]
POSITION: Supine
INDICATION:
Breast abscess. [Lactational / periductal mastitis associated / post-surgical]. [Failed aspiration / insufficient response to antibiotics].
PROCEDURE:
WHO Checklist performed. Skin incision planned at point of maximum fluctuation with consideration of cosmetic outcome — [periareolar / dependent]. Linear incision.
Pus encountered and sent for MC+S. Loculi within the abscess cavity broken down with a finger to ensure complete drainage. Cavity curetted and inspected. Haemostasis achieved.
[Corrugated drain / ribbon gauze / negative pressure wound device] placed within the cavity and secured to skin to maintain drainage and prevent premature skin closure.
FINDINGS:
Abscess cavity [size, contents, number of loculi]. [Granulomatous change / periductal tissue — biopsy sent if atypical appearance].
SPECIMEN: Pus swab to microbiology. [Cavity wall biopsy if atypical].
EBL: Minimal. COMPLICATIONS: None.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:
Antibiotics [if prescribed]. Wound dressed regularly. Drain removed when drainage minimal. Breastfeeding may continue from other breast. Outpatient review to ensure resolution and consider duct surgery if recurrent.