Treatment of Breast Abscess: Ultrasound Guided Needle Aspiration or Incision and Drainage.

Abstract

Breast abscess (BA) is a common debilitating condition that has a world-wide occurrence. The clinical presentation ranges from localized to systemic features. It causes can be by organism or nonorganism. Infants' nutrition can be affected if the abscess occurs during lactation signifying secondary effects of BA on other individuals. Conservative management can be instituted in some instances, otherwise interventions is required (usually by drainage). Breast abscess can be drained by incision and drainage or through a relatively recently introduced needle aspiration. Either method has its advantages and disadvantages. Some clinicians have preference of one over the other depending on training, dispensation, individual clinical scenario, amongst other reasons. However, studies have been done favouring incision and drainage over needle aspiration with conflicting results. Our aim is to give an overview of breast abscess, its treatment options and to recommend adoptable treatment algorism.

Key words: Breast abscess, mastitis, needle aspiration, incision and drainage.