Microdochectomy

Microdiscectomy Surgery in Chunni-ganj, Kanpur

Also known as total duct excision, microdochectomy is a surgical procedure performed at Apollo Kanpur, to remove a mammary duct. This surgery is performed when nipple discharge stems from a single duct. This discharge may be discolored or have blood present in severe cases. It can also cause abnormality in the appearance of the affected nipple.

Why is Microdochectomy Done?

The total removal of all ducts from behind the nipple is recommended in case of recurrent breast abscess or mastitis (inflammation of the breast). A central duct excision may be suggested if the condition involves discharge from several ducts or if no specific duct could be determined.

At Apollo Spectra, Kanpur, microdochectomy can be used for both diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. 80% of the cases that involve nipple discharge are due to intraductal papilloma, which typically occurs in premenopausal women. This condition refers to a benign growth with an attachment to the wall of a mammary duct usually found just behind the nipple.

Nipple discharge can also be caused by:

• Breast infections, such as mastitis or a breast abscess
• Certain hormonal conditions
• Duct ectasia, a benign change in the breast that is usually related to aging
• Certain medications, particularly contraceptive pills and some antidepressants

Although rare, the risk of breast cancer increases in patients with the above-mentioned symptoms.

How is Microdochectomy Done?

At Apollo Spectra, Kanpur, microdochectomy is done by injecting local anesthesia to numb the area, and a small probe/ wire is passed into the discharging duct after identifying the opening of the affected duct by applying gentle pressure on the nipple.

The wire is inserted as far as possible into the duct while making sure that it is not disrupted or damaged. An incision is made around the areola after tracing the borders of the nipple and the single problematic duct is gently excised and freed from the tissues surrounding it.

The wound is then closed with absorbable sutures and a small waterproof dressing is placed over the incision. The removed duct is sent for a biopsy to a specialist breast pathologist for determining the cause of the nipple discharge.

In case the biopsy reveals the cause of the nipple discharge being cancer, additional procedures may have to be performed to manage the malignancy.

What are the Benefits of Microdochectomy?

The major benefit of performing this surgery is the preservation of the patient’s ability to breastfeed. Young patients who are currently breastfeeding or who have plans to breastfeed in the future can find this procedure very advantageous.

What are the Risks and Complications of Microdochectomy?

Although microdochectomy is a comparatively straightforward procedure and has minimal complications involved, the problem often faced during the surgery is identifying the affected duct easily. While the surgery usually preserves the ability to breastfeed, the loss of breastfeeding ability may occur at times.

Other complications faced post-surgery include:

• Bleeding and bruising
• Infection, sometimes chronic
• Poor cosmetic outcomes
• Poor or failed wound healing
• Changes in shape and color of the nipple
• Lumps in the breast
• Seroma or secretion of natural fluids
• Loss of skin over the nipple
• Change in nipple sensation

Who is the Right Candidate for Microdochectomy?

Any person experiencing prolonged and persistent nipple discharge and other symptoms like an infection or bleeding from the nipple is suggested to undergo the surgery to avoid any further complications.

When to see a doctor?

In case you observe any signs or symptoms that may involve persistent nipple discharge, or any post-surgery issues for a prolonged period, contact your doctor immediately.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment