Nipple discharge can be normal for women but abnormal in men. It occurs due to leakage of fluid in one or both breasts. A discharge color changes and can cause breast injury, noncancerous cysts, stress etc. It is rare and becomes more problematic for individuals when it is left untreated. The best treatment method is Microdochectomy surgery. This therapy is suggested for the removal of milk ducts from the breast. It is best recommended for younger women and also known as total duct excision.

What are Milk Ducts?

They are small and thin tubes that attach the breast tissue with a nipple. The main function is the transportation of milk from the breast, which can be helpful for baby feeding. They are also known as breast ducts.

When they get blocked or infected, it results in nipple discharge that can cause pain or discomfort in breastfeeding. This problem gets severe and cannot be treated or diagnosed easily. It can be harmful for children and their breastfeeding mothers.

Why is Microdochectomy Surgery Performed for Patients?

The microdochectomy procedure is recommended for the treatment of certain conditions. These are as follows:

Mammary duct ectasia
Recurrent breast abscess and mastitis
Nipple discharge
Intraductal papilloma

This surgery is mainly performed through local or general anesthesia. It is not suggested for pregnant women, but can be applicable for breastfeeding management.

Advantages of Microdochectomy Treatment

The benefits of this surgical procedure are as follows:

This method is safe and accurate for the treatment of pathological nipple discharge in patients.
It is a straightforward procedure that reduces breast cancer and improves a patient’s quality of life.
It is an ideal option for young individuals, which allows them to continue breastfeeding.

Risks and Complications in Microdochectomy

This surgery leads to several risks, as with other surgeries. These include the following:

Loss or change in nipple sensation due to poor wound healing
Occurrence of hematoma
Wound and chest infections
Damage to the blood supply in a nipple
Scarring
Breast depression at the excised lump site
Bleeding

These complications can be rare and harmful to patients’ health. They must consult with their provider for the management of these health issues.

Procedure of Microdochectomy

Before Procedure

The following things that can be expected before the surgery:

The medication, allergies, and medical history will be reviewed by your healthcare provider.
A surgeon can check your affected duct by performing some imaging tests, such as ultrasound, mammography, etc., in patients.
Eating and drinking must be stopped for individuals on the day of surgery for several hours.
The physical exam, chest X-ray, blood tests, and electrocardiogram may be conducted in case of general anesthesia. These treatment approaches can be applicable for health screening.
It is important to maintain a healthy weight and eat a well-balanced diet since being overweight leads to several complications and can cause death in patients.
The patients must do regular exercises, which helps them for surgery and recovery.
Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can be dangerous and affect the breast, which troubles a patient during surgery. Therefore, it is important to stop these harmful things to reduce complications in individuals.
If vaccination is required before the surgical procedure, then consult with your healthcare team.
A patient must practice hand washing and wear a face covering while visiting a hospital.

During Procedure

The approaches involved in this surgery are as follows:

A surgeon provides general anesthesia, which helps a patient remain asleep and pain-free during the surgical procedure. They can also use local anesthesia with sedation for numbing the breast area.
The affected milk duct can be identified by making a small incision around the base of a nipple. A surgeon can use a fine probe or wire for this procedure.
A duct is dilated and marked with dye after it gets attached with a wire. Then, it is removed and dissected from the breast gently.
After removing the duct, a surgeon uses sutures or adhesive strips to close the incision. The strips can be dissolved naturally or need to be removed in 7 to 10 days.
The incision site can be covered with a small waterproof dressing for healing purposes.

After Procedure

A patient might be taken to a recovery room for monitoring the health conditions. This will take a short period and he or she can go home at the same time.
Some pain might occur for a few days after the surgery. An individual must consult with their healthcare provider if it continues in their breast.
A waterproof dressing needs to be removed after two weeks. The patients can use their moisturizer after 21 days for massaging the scars, which develop on their breasts.
The heavy-lifting objects, strenuous activities and the driving for at least 24 hours must be prohibited after the surgery and a supportive wire-free bra or crop top can be worn by a patient for the first few days.
If lumps or irregularities can occur in the breast then it might be reported immediately. A patient must meet with their medical doctor for follow-up care during the first three weeks of an operation.