A comparison of the outcomes of a novel technique of Mini-Incision and Self-Express (MISE) for breast abscess with the conventional techniques: a retrospective comparative cohort study

Conventional techniques for treatment of breast abscess, such as incision and drainage (I&D) and needle aspiration, have disadvantages. The authors aimed to compare the outcomes of a novel technique of bedside mini-incision and self-express (MISE) for breast abscess with the conventional techniques. METHODS: Patients with a pathologically confirmed breast abscess were retrospectively identified. Patients with mastitis, granulomatous mastitis, breast fillers with infection, ruptured abscess prior to intervention, other interventions or bilateral breast infection were excluded. Data collected included patient demographics, radiological features such as size and number of abscess, treatment modality, microbiological results and clinical outcomes. These outcomes were then compared between the patients with MISE, I&D and needle aspiration. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included. The mean age was 31.5 years old (range: 18–48). Mean abscess size was 57.4 mm (range: 24–126). 5 (23.8%), 11 (52.4%) and 5 (23.8%) had MISE, needle aspiration and I&D, respectively. Average duration of antibiotics was 1.8, 3.9 and 2.6 weeks for MISE, needle aspiration and I&D groups, respectively, which was statistically significant after adjusting for confounders (P=0.024). Mean duration of recovery was 2.8, 7.8 and 6.2 weeks for the MISE, needle aspiration and I&D groups, respectively (P=0.027), after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: MISE, in suitable patients, results in shorter recovery time and lesser antibiotics usage, compared with the conventional techniques.