DefinePK

Abstract

Breast abscesses disrupt postpartum women's well-being, hindering breastfeeding and affecting cosmetic outcomes. Traditional incision and drainage (ID) often causes significant discomfort and suboptimal aesthetics. Multiple percutaneous needle aspiration (MPNA) offers a minimally invasive alternative with potentially better outcomes. Objectives: To compare pain, cosmetic satisfaction, and breastfeeding restoration between MPNA and ID for breast abscess treatment. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial conducted at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from January to July 2021, 110 breastfeeding women (aged 18–45 years; mean age 32) with breast abscesses ≤5 cm (mean duration: 7 days) were enrolled. Participants were randomized into two groups: MPNA (n=55) and ID (n=55). Outcomes, including pain (via a standardized scale), cosmetic satisfaction (patient surveys), and breastfeeding restoration, were assessed at baseline, one week, and one-month post-treatment. Results: The MPNA group reported lower mean pain scores (2.3 vs. 5.6 in the ID group). Cosmetic satisfaction was higher in the MPNA group, with 80% reporting "Highly Satisfactory" outcomes compared to 40% in the ID group. Additionally, 85% resumed breastfeeding within one-week post-treatment in the MPNA group, compared to 60% in the ID group. Conclusion: It was concluded that MPNA is a viable, less invasive alternative to ID for small breast abscesses in breastfeeding women, with significantly reduced pain, better cosmetic outcomes, and quicker breastfeeding restoration. MPNA should be considered a preferred first-line treatment in appropriate cases.