Management of lactating breast abscesses by ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and continuation of breastfeeding: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Needle aspiration of breast abscesses during lactation are currently recommended as an alternative to surgery only for moderate forms. In case of breast abscess, many patients stop breastfeeding on the advice of a health professional. 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 28 patients referred for a breast abscess during lactation at the Duroc Breast Imaging Center. A management by ultrasound-guided aspiration was proposed to each patient. We collected data about the breastfeeding between October 2018 and January 2019.

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 complications.