Management of Breast Abscess by Open Drainage with Primary Closure versus Standard Incision and Drainage-A Randomised Trial

Introduction: Breast abscess is a localised collection of purulent material within the breast, which can be a complication of mastitis. In women of reproductive age, these are predominantly lactational but non-lactational abscesses are also seen in premenopausal women. Abscesses generally require drainage in conjunction with antibiotics. For the treatment of breast abscesses, surgical incision and drainage are usually carried out under general anaesthesia, as a traditional method. Aim: To compare conventional incision and drainage versus open drainage with primary closure with negative suction drain modalities of treatment of breast abscess in terms of different aspects including duration and quality of healing, number of dressings required, length of hospitalisation, postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomised study conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. There were 30 patients in group A undergoing open drainage with primary closure with negative suction drain and 30 patients in group B undergoing conventional incision and drainage. They were evaluated for the study period of 18 months, between October 2018 and April 2020. The data collected were analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0. Results: The incidence of breast abscess was more common in age group of 21-30 years with right side affected more than left side. Both the surgical procedures were comparable with each other in terms of incidence of recurrence. The primary closure group fared better with less incidence of postoperative pain (duration of analgesics requirement 2.40 vs 5.43 days), reduced hospital stay (3.63 vs 6.67 days) and dressings requirement was also less (2.33 vs 12.27 days) compared to standard incision and drainage drainage which were statistically significant. Conclusion: Hence, it can be concluded that open drainage with primary closure with negative suction drain placement can be considered as a safe and effective alternative to the standard incision and drainage in patients with breast abscess.