Draining a breast abscess

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Mastitis that develops into an infected pocket of fluid, or breast abscess, usually needs be drained.

A small abscess can be drained with a needle, sometimes using ultrasound to guide the needle. An injection of local anesthetic medication is used first to numb the skin over the infected breast tissue. This procedure can be done in a doctor's office.
A large abscess must be cut open (lanced) to let the pus drain out. An injection of local anesthetic medication is usually given first to numb the breast tissue. General anesthesia is usually not needed for this treatment unless the abscess is deep. After the infected area has been drained, it may be left open and packed with sterile gauze or closed with a small tube left in so the pus can drain out. This procedure may be done in a doctor's office or outpatient surgery setting.

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Author	Bets Davis, MFA
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	January 17, 2008

Last updated:	January 17, 2008
Author:	Bets Davis, MFA
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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