Management of Common Complications of Lactation

Breast surgeons are well poised to promote evidence-based recommendations for lactation-related breast disorders and clarify existing misconceptions in traditional care. Surgeons can resolve lactational fluid collections and avoid milk fistula development during drainage and/or other procedures on the breast. Using principles of surgical wound management, they can provide effective care of nipple trauma. They can distinguish between inflammatory and infectious mastitis and promote delicate tissue handling to prevent breast injury and phlegmon. Finally, breast surgeons can debunk the myth of fungal infections occurring on the highly vascularized nipple and recognize common presentations of conditions such as dermatitis.