Abstract: Background: Breast abscess is a common inflammatory condition among lactating women. Although initial stages of breast abscess can be managed through antibiotics, surgery may be required in the presence of advanced stages in the form of incision and drainage with or without placement of surgical drain. This study was carried out to evaluate the outcomes between open and closed incision and drainage.
Methods: This randomized control trial was carried out among 60 cases clinically diagnosed breast abscess. The participants were randomly allocated to experiment group (30 patients) consisting of closed primary suction closure and control group (30 patients) open incision and drainage. Postoperative outcomes in terms of recurrence, pain, secondary infection and duration of hospital stay were recorded.
Results: Postoperative pain was present among six participants in the experimental group as compared to 18 participants in the control group, none of the participants in the experimental group experienced residual abscess, scar formation or secondary infections. Moreover, the mean duration of hospital stay among experimental group was 9.1 days as against 11.6 days in the control group.
Conclusion: Considering the potent clinical, surgical and financial advantages associated with closed primary suction closure, this method may be routinely used for effective management of acute breast abscess, especially in lactating women.
