About Breast Duct Excision
Key Highlights
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Effectively resolves bothersome, persistent, or bloody nipple discharge.Serves a dual purpose: provides a definitive diagnosis through tissue biopsy and offers therapeutic treatment.Minimally invasive approach with an incision typically hidden around the areola for better cosmetic results.Can help alleviate patient anxiety by ruling out or confirming the presence of concerning cellular changes.Generally a straightforward procedure with a relatively short operative time and hospital stay.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent, spontaneous, single-duct nipple discharge (especially if bloody, serous, or clear).
- Suspected intraductal papilloma, a benign wart-like growth within a duct.
- Diagnosis and management of duct ectasia, a non-cancerous widening of the ducts.
- Evaluation of suspicious cells found in nipple discharge cytology.
- To rule out ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or other precancerous/cancerous conditions.
- Chronic inflammation or infection of a specific milk duct (recurrent periductal mastitis).
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including a clinical breast exam and imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, or ductogram).
- Discuss all current medications, vitamins, and supplements with your surgeon; you may need to stop blood thinners.
- Undergo standard pre-anesthetic check-ups, which may include blood tests and an ECG.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and assist you for the first 24 hours.
- Follow fasting instructions (typically no food or drink for 6-8 hours before surgery).
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Common risks include bleeding, bruising, infection, and temporary swelling at the surgical site.
- Potential for altered nipple sensation (numbness or hypersensitivity), which is often temporary.
- Rare risk of damage to surrounding breast tissue or structures.
- Small chance of a visible scar or minor change in breast contour.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia, such as nausea or allergic reaction.
- Possibility of recurrence of discharge if not all affected ductal tissue is removed.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight observation.
- Manage pain with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
- Keep the surgical area clean and dry; follow specific instructions on showering and dressing care.
- Wear a supportive bra (sports bra) day and night for 1-2 weeks to minimize swelling and provide comfort.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting (over 5 kg), and vigorous arm movements for 2-3 weeks.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to have stitches removed (if non-dissolvable) and to review pathology results.
- Contact your surgeon immediately for signs of infection (fever, increasing redness, pus) or excessive bleeding.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering breast duct excision in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for breast duct excision in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform breast duct excision. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for breast duct excision compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Breast Duct Excision in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing breast duct excision.
James Roy, a 58-year-old retired firefighter,...
James Roy, a 58-year-old retired firefighter, had been experiencing a persistent, clear discharge from his right nipple for over six months. Initially dismissing it as a minor irritation, he grew concerned when it didn't resolve. James, a widower who lived alone, felt embarrassed discussing a 'breast issue' but was prompted by his daughter to see his GP. After examination and a ductogram, the GP referred him to a general surgeon. The surgeon explained that a single duct was persistently discharging and, given James's age and the need to rule out underlying pathology like ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), recommended a microdochectomy (duct excision). James felt anxious and somewhat emasculated by the diagnosis. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia. The recovery involved mild chest discomfort managed with painkillers and keeping the area dry. Pathology revealed a benign intraductal papilloma. Physically, James recovered well within two weeks. Emotionally, he felt immense relief from the worry of cancer. He was grateful he overcame his initial embarrassment to seek care, and the experience made him more proactive about his health.
General surgeons for Breast Duct Excision
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform breast duct excision and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore