Microdochectomy is the surgical removal (excision) of a single breast duct, which is a tube that, following pregnancy, carries breast milk to the nipple.
A microdochectomy is performed in patients who usually have the following signs and symptoms: -Patients who have discharge from multiple ducts -Inverted nipples -Chronic infection beneath the nipples affecting the ducts -Patients that have ongoing persisting nipple discharge post microdochectomy This procedure is usually performed as a day case and involves removing all of the ducts which open on to the surface of the nipple. There are approximately 12-15 ducts opening onto the surface of the nipple and some diseases will affect all of the breast ducts.
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-The benefits that are offered by breast duct excision is that the tissue removed can be examined to diagnose the cause of nipple discharge.
-Surgery can be performed with minimal scarring around the areolar margin
-Side effects such as bleeding, infection, pain, breastfeeding, loss of nipple sensation, and skin changes may occur.
A microdochectomy is performed under general anesthesia so you will be asleep during the procedure. A small incision is made either around the areola or around the base of the nipple, exposing the affected duct. The duct is then removed and sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. The skin is then closed with absorbable stitches.
Preparation depends on the type of anesthesia used. You will probably not be able to drive after the procedure so please make sure you have a family member or friend accompany you after the procedure, at hospital and at home. If general anesthesia is used, you will undergo a health screening that includes a physical examination, blood tests, chest x-ray, and electrocardiogram (EKG). Please let the doctor know about all medication that you are taking as some may need to be stopped before the procedure. Please also let your doctor know if you have any allergies to medication or medical equipment. You will likely have to avoid all food and water for six to eight hours before the procedure, or as recommended by the doctor.
You will be moved to a recovery area for a few hours so that your vital signs can be monitored. Once the effect of the anesthesia has worn off, you may be able to return home the same day or the next day. A waterproof dressing will be placed over the incision so you should be able to shower on the day of the surgery, but it is recommended that you try to keep the area dry for a few days. The incision is likely to be red and uncomfortable for up to two weeks and there may be some swelling. Avoid driving for 24 hours and heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a couple of weeks. You may return to work after a day or two, if you feel comfortable doing so.
Swelling or bleeding. Infection. Altered or loss of nipple sensation. (In some cases this may result in the inability to breastfeed from the affected nipple.) A dent or depression where the duct was removed. Nipple necrosis.
What are the recommendations for travel for this procedure?
If you are taking any blood-thinning medication/anticoagulant, please let your doctor know as some may need to be stopped before you travel for the procedure. Travelers to Thailand should plan to stay in the country for at least two weeks or for the entire duration of treatment. If you plan to return home after the procedure, please speak to your doctor before making travel arrangements. During your follow-up appointment your medical team will assess your health and your incision and you will receive documents detailing your medical and treatment history and your "Fit to Fly" certificate (if needed).
What are the causes for nipple discharge?
In most of the cases, the cause is not something to be really worried about and is simply due to a widening of the milk ducts (or duct ectasia) which can be seen with age, or due to a wart-like growth in the milk duct (or intraductal papilloma). Even breast abscesses can manifest as nipple discharge. However, rarely, early cancer cells may sometimes be found. This definitely would warrant further treatment and follow-up.
How can we diagnose microdochectomy surgery?
A combination of diagnostic tests, including mammography, breast ultrasonography, can aid the clinician to ascertain the diagnosis and plan proper management. Based on the underlying breast pathology, microdochectomy is the procedure of choice for nipple discharge.