Management of Common Complications of Lactation: The Breast Surgeon's Role in Examining the Science and Debunking Old Myths

Katrina B Mitchell; Helen M Johnson

doi:10.1016/j.suc.2022.06.002

Management of Common Complications of Lactation: The Breast Surgeon's Role in Examining the Science and Debunking Old Myths

Surg Clin North Am. 2022 Dec;102(6):973-987. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2022.06.002.

Authors

Katrina B Mitchell¹, Helen M Johnson²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgical Oncology, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, Sansum Clinic, 540 West Pueblo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA. Electronic address: kbm9002@me.com.
² Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.

PMID: 36335932
DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2022.06.002

Abstract

Breast surgeons are well poised to promote evidence-based recommendations for lactation-related breast disorders and clarify existing misconceptions in traditional care. Surgeons can resolve lactational fluid collections and avoid milk fistula development during drainage and/or other procedures on the breast. Using principles of surgical wound management, they can provide effective care of nipple trauma. They can distinguish between inflammatory and infectious mastitis and promote delicate tissue handling to prevent breast injury and phlegmon. Finally, breast surgeons can debunk the myth of fungal infections occurring on the highly vascularized nipple and recognize common presentations of conditions such as dermatitis.

Keywords: Breast abscess; Breastfeeding; Galactocele; Lactation; Mastitis; Milk fistula; Nipple bleb.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Breast Feeding
Drainage / methods
Female
Humans
Lactation
Mastitis* / complications
Mastitis* / therapy
Surgeons*