Pectoralis major interposition flap: a new technique for treatment of severe peri-ductal mastitis.
BACKGROUND
Peri-ductal mastitis is an uncommon benign disorder of the major lactiferous ductal system of the female breast. It can be a very difficult problem to treat and may cause significant patient morbidity. We describe a new technique, involving use of the pectoralis major muscle flap, for treating recurrent sub-areolar abscess refractory to standard surgical treatment.


METHODS
Three patients who underwent this new technique for severe refractory peri-ductal mastitis at Calvary Hospital, Canberra are presented.


RESULTS
These patients who had recurrent peri-ductal mastitis with abscess and fistula formation on a monthly basis despite numerous courses of antibiotics and surgical procedures experienced no further recurrences following pectoralis major interposition flap surgery at 42, 32 and 22 months follow-up respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This new technique may provide an opportunity to control these otherwise difficult to treat cases of severe recurrent peri-ductal mastitis where standard surgical methods have failed.
Low
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Department of Surgery, Calvary Hospital, Calvary Clinic, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia. nelsonlow@gmail.com
Barry
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D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008413:Mastitis / Q000601:surgery*; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013524:Surgical Flaps