Nipple Discharge Surgery

What is nipple discharge?

Nipple discharge is the term given to fluid leaking from the duct/s of your nipple areolar complex. Breasts normally leak a very small amount of fluid. Sometimes there is an excess or abnormal leakage of this fluid.

What causes nipple discharge?

There are various causes of nipple discharge. The majority of nipple discharge is due to a variation in normal physiology or to an underlying medical problem. Nipple discharge is occasionally due to breast cancer, although most causes of nipple discharge are benign.  The most common reasons for a patient with nipple discharge to require surgical intervention are: intra-ductal papilloma (50%), fibrocystic change (35%), breast cancer (5%), prolactinoma (<5%), or breast abscess (<5%).

What is michrodochectomy surgery?

A michrodochectomy is the removal of the single duct causing nipple discharge. The benefits of a michrodochectomy are that most of the nipple areolar complex is undisturbed. Therefore the ability for future breastfeeding is not significantly reduced, the appearance of the nipple is largely the same, and the sensation to the nipple usually remains intact.

What is total duct excision surgery?

If multiple ducts are contributing to the nipple discharge then all the ducts under the nipple may need to be removed and so a total duct excision is performed. A total duct excision disrupts the nerves that supply sensation to the nipple and so the nipple will feel numb after the surgery. The shape of the nipple may also change; it may become flatter and possibly retracted. Total duct excision surgery will result in an inability to breastfeed in the future and so is not usually advised in younger patients.