Abstract Most breast abscesses develops as a complication
of lactational mastitis. The incidence of breast abscess ranges
from 0.4 to 11 % of all lactating mothers. The traditional
management of breast abscesses involves incision and drainage
of pus along with antistaphylococcal antibiotics, but this is
associated with prolonged healing time, regular dressings,
difficulty in breast feeding, and the possibility of milk fistula
with unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome. It has recently been
reported that breast abscesses can be treated by repeated
needle aspirations and suction drainage. The predominance
of Staphylococcus aureus allows a rational choice of antibiotic
without having to wait for the results of bacteriological culture.
Many antibiotics are secreted in milk, but penicillin,
cephalosporins, and erythromycin, however, are considered
safe. Where an abscess has formed, aspiration of the pus,
preferably under ultrasound control, has now supplanted open
surgery as the first line of treatment.