Name of the Procedure:

Mastotomy with Exploration or Drainage of Abscess, Deep

Summary:

A mastotomy with exploration or drainage of an abscess is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the breast tissue to locate and either explore or drain a deep abscess. This helps to relieve pain, treat the infection, and prevent further complications.

Purpose:

• Medical Condition: Addresses deep breast abscesses, which are pockets of infection.
• Goals: To alleviate pain, remove infected material, and promote healing.

Indications:

• Persistent or recurrent breast pain.
• Swelling or redness in the breast.
• Fever or other signs of infection.
• Failure of less invasive treatments (e.g., antibiotics) to resolve the abscess.

Preparation:

• Fasting: Usually required for a few hours before the procedure.
• Medications: Adjustments may be needed as per doctor’s advice.
• Diagnostics: Ultrasound or mammogram to locate the abscess.

Procedure Description:

1. Incision: A small cut is made in the breast over the abscess.
2. Exploration: Surgical tools are used to locate the abscess.
3. Drainage: The abscess is drained of pus and other infected material.
4. Cleaning: The area is cleaned and sometimes irrigated with saline.
5. Closure: The incision may be left open to drain or closed with sutures, depending on the situation.

• Tools: Scalpels, forceps, suction devices.
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia to numb the area, possibly sedation.

Duration:

The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting:

Performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.

Personnel:

• Surgeon
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist

Risks and Complications:

• Common: Pain, bleeding, infection, and scarring.
• Rare: Damage to surrounding tissue, recurrence of the abscess, adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Benefits:

• Immediate relief from pain and symptoms of infection.
• Successful drainage usually leads to a rapid decline in infection symptoms.

Recovery:

• Post-Procedure Care: Wound care instructions, possible drainage tube care, antibiotics.
• Recovery Time: Typically a few days to a week for initial recovery. Full healing in a few weeks.
• Restrictions: Limited physical activity, follow-up appointments for wound inspection and suture removal.

Alternatives:

• Antibiotics: May be tried initially if the abscess is not too severe.
• Needle Aspiration: Less invasive but might not be suitable for deep abscesses.
• Pros and Cons: Antibiotics alone may not be effective; needle aspiration might not completely resolve deeper infections.

Patient Experience:

• During: Minimal discomfort due to anesthesia.
• After: Some pain and soreness, manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers.
• Pain Management: Analgesics and antibiotics to control pain and infection.