Post-operative complications following subareolar duct clearance
Intended for healthcare professionals
Clinical Previous    

Post-operative complications following subareolar duct clearance

Dawn Chapman Clinical nurse practitioner, Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge
Tom Bennett Britton Clinical research fellow, Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge
Arnie Purushotham Consultant breast surgeon, Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge
Gordon Wishart Consultant breast and endocrine surgeon, Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge

Total duct excision is a common therapeutic procedure for abnormal nipple discharge. However, little information is available in the literature on complication rates. A retrospective analysis was performed on a consecutive series of 87 patients who underwent surgery for abnormal nipple discharge over a period of 45 months. A questionnaire was sent to all patients in the study group enquiring about any post-operative complications. A review of the case notes of all patients was also undertaken. Subareolar duct clearance is associated with a number of minor complications, including wound infection or breakdown, sensory loss and nipple necrosis. These complications appear to be more common in smokers.

Cancer Nursing Practice. 5, 5, 36-39. doi: 10.7748/cnp2006.06.5.5.36.c185

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more