Management of breast abscesses by ultrasound-guided needle aspiration
and continuation of breastfeeding: a pilot study
Abstract
Background – In case of breast abscess, many patients stop
breastfeeding on the advice of a health professional. Purpose – We
reviewed our experience of treatment of lactating breast abscesses by
ultrasound-guided aspiration and suggest an algorithm of their
management. We also analyzed the continuation of breastfeeding of these
patients after advices from trained teams. Materiel and methods – We
conducted a retrospective study from April 2016 to April 2017, including
34 patients referred for a breast abscess during lactation at the Duroc
Breast Imaging Center. Results – A single aspiration was sufficient in
64.3% of cases. The delay between the occurrence of the abscess and the
indication for drainage was significantly higher for patients who have
needed finally surgical drainage (p = 0,0031). There were no difference
of size of abscesses between patients receiving needle aspiration alone
and those who have undergone surgery (p = 0,97). All patients who had
been managed by needle aspiration continued breastfeeding after the
treatment and 40% of the patients were still breastfeeding at 6 months.
Conclusion - The management of lactating breast abscess by
ultrasound-guided needle aspiration is an effective alternative to
surgery. It appears to be effective regardless of the size of the
abscess and is compatible with the continuation of breastfeeding. Our
study has indeed shown that if they are well advised, the majority of
patients continue breastfeeding so that it is essential that health
professionals be better trained regarding the management of
breastfeeding complication