A Comparative study of open drainage versus percutaneous negative suction drainage in lactational breast abscess.

Background: Lactational breast abscesses are a significant complication of mastitis in breastfeeding women. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and patient outcomes of open drainage versus percutaneous negative pressure suction drainage in the treatment of lactational breast abscesses. Methods: A total of 100 lactating women with diagnosed breast abscesses were randomly assigned to either open drainage or percutaneous negative pressure suction drainage. The study evaluated abscess resolution rates, recurrence rates, time to recovery, pain management, breastfeeding continuation, patient satisfaction, and complication rates. Results: Both groups showed high abscess resolution rates by the one-month follow-up. The percutaneous group had a significantly shorter mean recovery time (12.8 vs. 14.2 days, p=0.04) and lower pain scores at one day and one week postprocedure (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Patient satisfaction regarding procedure discomfort, cosmetic outcomes, and overall satisfaction was significantly higher in the percutaneous group (p<0.001, p=0.005, and p<0.001, respectively). The incidence of scar formation was lower in the percutaneous group (p=0.05). Conclusion: While both open drainage and percutaneous negative pressure suction drainage are effective for the management of lactational breast abscesses, the percutaneous approach offers advantages in recovery time, pain management, patient satisfaction, and cosmetic outcomes. These findings suggest a preference for the minimally invasive percutaneous method in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]