A safe technique of major mammary duct excision

The classical Hadfield's operation for duct ectasia/periductal mastitis results in nipple anaesthesia in most women and nipple/areola necrosis in some patients. To obviate these two complications we have modified the technique of major duct excision. The incision is given over only one-third of areolar circumference and no areolar flap is raised. In the 17 women treated by this technique the cosmetic results were good in all of them with no nipple/areola necrosis. The nipple sensation was preserved in all cases. There was only one case of recurrence of nipple discharge. The technique offers a safer alternative to the classical Hadfield's operation.