Duct Excision (Microdochectomy and Central Duct Excision)
What is a breast duct?
Breast ducts are small tube-like structures that carry milk and breast secretions from the breast tissue to the nipple.
When do we perform a duct excision?
Duct excision is usually performed for nipple discharge. This is usually reserved for cases where a lesion is found or the nature of the discharge is suspicious. Surgery may also be performed as a procedure to cure troublesome discharge caused by conditions such as duct ectasia.
What is a breast duct excision?
There are 2 kinds of duct excision
Total duct excision – this involves removing all of ducts immediately behind the nipple. This is suitable for women who do not intend to breast feed or when more than one duct could be the problem.
Single duct excision (microdochectomy) – this involves removing a single duct. It is only able to be performed when it is possible to identify a single duct as the cause of the problem (nipple discharge). It is suitable for women who may wish to breast feed in the future
What does the operation involve?
The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. Dr Graham will make a scar around the edge of your areola (the dark skin around the nipple). She will attempt to make it as neat and hidden as possible, but the most important thing is to adequately remove the duct or ducts that are causing the problem.
How long is the operation and what is the recovery like?
For most patients the operation takes under an hour. Most patients are able to go home on the same day provided they feel well and have someone at home with them. You will be able to do most things for yourself immediately after the operation.
What are the complications of a duct excision?
As with all surgical procedures, duct excision may be associated with complications. Dr Graham will discuss these in detail with you at your consultation. These complications include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, numbness or decreased sensation, loss of nipple skin due to disruption of blood supply to the nipple and the need for further surgery.
Dr Graham advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.