Management of breast abscess by repeated aspiration and antibiotics

Objective: The aim of this study is to avoid psychological distress to the mother and baby by avoiding General Anaesthesia and overnight hospital stay which will be required, if the abscess is to be drained by incision drainage and to avoid leaving an ugly scar on the breast. Materials and Methods: In our prospective study, 50 patients with breast abscesses were treated by needle aspiration of pus, oral antibiotics, and repeat aspiration, if necessary. All were outpatients, and treated in Department of Surgery, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal. Ultrasonography was not used. Out of 50 patients, 31 were lactating mothers. Results: The mean age of the patient was 32 years (19-80 years). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated in both lactating and non lactating cases. Of the 50 cases, 39 (78%) resolved well without recurrence. Eight (16%) cases failed to respond to repeated aspiration and underwent incision and drainage. Three (6%) cases had recurrent abscess occurring 1 month after the last aspiration. Conclusion: Needle aspiration with antibiotic is an effective treatment for breast abscesses.