What is the procedure? Who is the candidate for the procedure?

Whenever a part of the breast is infected and forms pus, we need to drain it out. This is called an abscess. Once the pus is formed, no amount of antibiotics will work, as the medicines do not reach the pus. Infections are commonly seen during breast feeding times but they can be even seen in women who are not breast feeding. You may have fever because of the infection.

Pus can be removed with or without a cut, depending upon the patient and given situation.

If the pus is very liquid, it can be aspirated by needle only. Pus is always sent for testing. Depending upon the pus culture sensitivity reports, we start the antibiotics.

We may have to do repeated aspirations till the antibiotics work.

If the pus can’t be taken out by the needle, you will need operative drainage of the pus. This is done under a general anaesthesia, after the fitness for surgery is checked or basic tests done.

How should I prepare?

You will need hospitalization. After basic tests are done, you will be taken up for the surgery.

During surgery, a cut is made on the most prominent part of the abscess. All the pus is drained out and the area is cleaned. Most of the times, the wound is left open as it is infected and may pour out some more pus.

You need repeated dressings and you will be in the hospital at least for 48 hours.

What do I do after the procedure?

Then after discharge, dressings can be done in the clinic. Antibiotics will have to be taken for a few days till the infection is under control. You will also need painkillers for a few days.

What are the benefits and risks?

Once the pus is out, either by needle aspiration or surgery, you will definitely feel better. Fever will subside.

There is a minor risk of bleeding, which is associated with any surgery.

You may form another pocket of pus even when the wound is still open. In this case, ultrasound guided aspiration may be attempted

For an open surgery, it takes about 4-6 weeks for complete wound healing, depending upon the size of the wound.