Pectoralis major interposition flap: A new technique for treatment of severe peri-ductal mastitis

Background: Peri-ductal mastitis is ail uncommon benign disorder of the major lactiferous ductal System of the female breast. It call 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. Method: 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 Oil 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. Conclusion: This new technique may provide an opportunity to control these other wise difficult to treat cases of severe recurrent peri-ductal mastitis where standard surgical methods have failed. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.