Comparison of ultrasound guided aspiration versus incision drainage in breast abscess

Abstract

Objective: is to compare the outcomes of ultrasound guided needle aspiration technique with traditional incision and drainage technique in breast abscess.

Methodology: Study was randomized controlled trial conducted at general surgery department of Nishtar Hospital; Multan from 9^th may 2023 to 8^th November 2023 in 6 months’ duration. A total of 228 patients were enrolled in study and divided into two groups A and B. Group A include 143 patients aspirated with ultrasound guided needle aspiration and in group B 85 patients treated with incision and drainage method. Main outcomes were hospital stay, pain intensity, location and size of abscess, parity and demographics.

Results: The mean duration of pain in Group A and Group B was 5.79±2.18 days and 7.01±2.38 days, respectively, (p<0.001). Further, the mean duration of fever, volume of pus, size of USG was almost equal in both the groups, (p>0.050). The distribution of site of abscess of both the groups were shown in figure. I. The difference was statistically significant, (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Needle aspiration of a breast abscess with ultrasonographic guidance combined with antibiotics is a commonly used and effective approach in the treatment of breast abscesses. This method is especially valuable when dealing with abscesses of small size.