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Surgical management of recurrent subareolar breast abscesses: Mayo Clinic experience
Sean Li1, Clive S Grant, Amy Degnim
1Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, E12 Mayo Bldg., Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Background:
Recurrent subareolar abscess is an uncommon condition of the breast. The disease process often is managed inadequately by repeated courses of antibiotics and/or incision and drainage procedures that temporarily may relieve the abscess collection but fails to correct the primary inciting process. Repeated surgical procedures may lead to multiple scars, nipple and breast distortion without cure of the problem, or even to mastectomy.
Methods:
We report a retrospective review of patients who have been treated surgically with this condition at a single institution from 1993 to 2005.
Results:
Successful definitive treatment of retroareolar abscesses necessitates excision of the central nipple, including the obstructed ducts.
Conclusions:
This technique achieves a cure rate of 91% and an overall 95% satisfaction rate in the cosmetic outcome of the nipple.
Insights
Recurrent subareolar abscesses in the breast can be effectively treated by surgically removing the central nipple and obstructed ducts. This technique offers a high cure rate and excellent cosmetic satisfaction, avoiding further complications.
Area of Science:
- Breast surgery
- Surgical pathology
Background:
- Recurrent subareolar abscess is an uncommon breast condition.
- Inadequate management with antibiotics or drainage fails to address the underlying cause.
- Repeated interventions can lead to scarring, distortion, and potentially mastectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a surgical technique for the definitive treatment of recurrent subareolar abscesses.
- To assess the efficacy and patient satisfaction with this surgical approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients treated surgically for subareolar abscesses between 1993 and 2005.
- Surgical intervention involved excision of the central nipple and associated obstructed ducts.
Main Results:
- The definitive treatment involves the excision of the central nipple and obstructed ducts.
- This surgical technique achieved a 91% cure rate for recurrent subareolar abscesses.
Conclusions:
- Excision of the central nipple and obstructed ducts provides a successful treatment for subareolar abscesses.
- The procedure resulted in a 95% patient satisfaction rate regarding cosmetic outcomes.
