A 35-year-old woman presents with a 2 cm breast abscess confirmed on ultrasound. She has failed a course of antibiotics. What is the definitive management?
- A Incision and drainage with blunt disruption of loculations ✓
- B Repeat course of different antibiotics
- C Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration
- D Total mastectomy
Correct answer: A. Incision and drainage with blunt disruption of loculations
Explanation
B breast abscess that fails antibiotic therapy requires incision and drainage with blunt disruption of loculations to ensure complete evacuation. Needle aspiration may be attempted for small abscesses (<3 cm) but incision and drainage is more definitive. Mastectomy is never indicated for a benign abscess.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.