- What is a breast abscess/hematoma?
The procedure consists either of opening up the fistula and leaving it open to drain or cleaning it and closing the wound.
The development of a mammary fistula in breast feeding women may also occur. This causes abnormal discharge of milk from the cut. This may stop breast feeding.
- Anaesthetic
This procedure will require an anaesthetic.
- What are the risks of this specific procedure?
There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following:
General risks:
- Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
- Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
- Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
- Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
- Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
- Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
- Death as a result of this procedure is possible.
Specific risks:
- The wound may continue to drain for some time and require wound dressings.
- The incision may not drain away all the fluid and further surgery may be necessary.
- The final healed scar may be thickened and red coloured and may be painful.
- Alteration of the shape of the breast tissue may occur. This may be disfiguring.
- Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.
