About Major Duct Excision
Key Highlights
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Definitive diagnostic procedure for identifying the cause of suspicious nipple discharge.Therapeutic removal of problematic ducts, often resolving discharge symptoms completely.Minimally invasive with a discreet incision typically placed around the areola.Provides tissue for biopsy, offering a clear pathological diagnosis.Can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on patient and surgeon preference.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent, spontaneous, single-duct nipple discharge (clear, serous, or bloody).
- Suspicious or pathological nipple discharge, especially in patients over age 40.
- Identification of an intraductal papilloma or other benign lesion on imaging (e.g., ductogram).
- Recurrent episodes of duct ectasia or periductal mastitis causing significant symptoms.
- To rule out ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or other malignancies when non-invasive tests are inconclusive.
How to prepare
- Complete preoperative evaluation including medical history, physical exam, and imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, or ductogram).
- Discussion of anesthesia options (local vs. general) and associated risks with the anesthesiologist.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is planned.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
- Arranging for transportation home post-procedure and support during initial recovery.
Risks & possible complications
- Common: Post-operative pain, bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness around the nipple.
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Hematoma (collection of blood) or seroma (collection of fluid) formation.
- Altered nipple sensation (increased or decreased), which may be permanent.
- Rare: Damage to surrounding breast tissue, cosmetic changes to breast contour, or inability to breastfeed from the affected breast in the future.
- Scarring, though the incision is usually well-concealed.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients can go home the same day or after a short observation period.
- Pain is managed with prescribed or over-the-counter analgesics.
- A supportive bra should be worn continuously for several days to minimize swelling and provide comfort.
- Stitches are usually dissolvable; the wound should be kept clean and dry as per surgeon's instructions.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous arm movements for 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-up appointment is scheduled to review pathology results and check healing progress.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient or short stay)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for complete healing and resumption of all strenuous activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering major duct excision in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for major 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 major 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 major duct excision compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 35 Thousand – 85 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient or short stay) | ~ 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for complete healing and resumption of all strenuous activities | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 123 Thousand – 298 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient or short stay) | ~ 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for complete healing and resumption of all strenuous activities | Know More |
Top hospitals for Major Duct Excision in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing major duct excision.
Vivaan Saxena, a 48-year-old software engineer...
Vivaan Saxena, a 48-year-old software engineer and father of two, had been experiencing persistent, clear discharge from his right nipple for over a year. Initially embarrassed, he dismissed it, but when the discharge became blood-tinged and he felt a small, firm lump behind the nipple, anxiety set in. His family history of breast cancer (his mother) made him particularly fearful. After a clinical exam, ultrasound, and ductogram, his surgeon recommended a Major Duct Excision to remove the abnormal duct system and obtain a definitive diagnosis, as the imaging was suspicious but inconclusive. Vivaan found the pre-operative wire localization uncomfortable but manageable. The surgery itself, under general anesthesia, went smoothly. The biopsy results, which came a week later, revealed a benign intraductal papilloma with no signs of cancer. His recovery involved two weeks of limited arm movement and some initial soreness, but he healed well with only a small, discreet scar. Emotionally, Vivaan journeyed from shame and deep-seated terror of a cancer diagnosis to overwhelming relief and a newfound commitment to prioritizing his health without stigma.
General surgeons for Major Duct Excision
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform major 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