Microdochectomy means removal of a breast duct. A small cut is made in the breast following the circular line of the areola ( the brown area surrounding the nipple ) and a portion of the duct is removed. The removed duct will be sent to the laboratory where it will be examined under a microscope.
The wound will be closed using dissolving stitches running beneath the skin.

After Surgery.
On return from the operating theatre you will have a transparent dressing placed over the wound, holding a fine plastic drain tube in the breast wound. The drain may be removed a few hours after surgery, or the following day. The dressing will be replaced and should be kept on until you are seen in the breast clinic. You will be able to wash as normal as the transparent dressing is impermeable to water.

After surgery you may notice the following:

* There may be some bruising around the wound, this fades within two or three days.

* The nipple may have a bluish tinge, this is nothing to worry about and fades within a day or two.

* Sometimes tiny round blisters form on the line of the wound. They produce a small amount of yellow fluid, and then settle down. Should this occur, it is nothing to worry about providing the wound is not hot, red, and painful. If it is, see your own doctor, or contact the Breast Care Unit.

* You may experience mild discomfort in the breast wound for a day or two. A mild pain killer such as Panadol will settle any discomfort.

You can expect to be discharged the day after surgery.
You will be given an appointment to attend the Breast Clinic on ward F1 within a week of surgery. At this visit we will examine the wound, and discuss with you the findings from the laboratory.

If you require further advice or information please contact the
Macmillan Breast Care Nurses, Hazel Ricard and Hilary Rickwood on 020 8565 5885