Day theatre procedure
About this service
Breast duct excision, also known as subareolar cone excision, is a minor breast surgery available in Windhoek to remove abnormal milk ducts beneath the nipple, commonly used to investigate persistent nipple discharge. It allows the removed tissue to be examined to identify the cause of the discharge and rule out more serious conditions. This procedure is usually recommended after other investigations, such as imaging, haven't fully explained the symptoms.
At Eastgate Clinic this surgery is performed in our on-site day theatre, with consultation and follow-up managed by your GP in our rooms. Your doctor will explain the findings and what to expect from surgery.
What to expect
- A consultation and breast examination, including imaging review, in our rooms
- Under anaesthesia the affected ducts beneath the nipple are removed through a small curved incision at the edge of the areola
- Some tenderness and swelling in the breast during healing is common
- The removed ducts are examined in the laboratory to find the cause of the discharge
- Follow-up appointment to discuss results and confirm healing
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Persistent or unexplained nipple discharge
- Discharge from a single duct that concerns your doctor
- Abnormal findings on breast imaging needing further investigation
- Nipple discharge accompanied by a lump or change in the breast
- Referral from your GP for a surgical breast opinion
Frequently asked questions
When is breast duct excision recommended for nipple discharge?
It is usually suggested when discharge is persistent, bloodstained or from a single duct, and a mammogram or ultrasound has not explained it. Removing the ducts both stops the discharge and lets the tissue be examined.
Can I still breastfeed after a subareolar duct excision?
Removing the central ducts usually means that breast cannot be used for breastfeeding in future, and nipple sensation may change. If you are planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor so this can be weighed against the reasons for surgery.
Is nipple discharge a sign of breast cancer?
Most nipple discharge is caused by benign duct changes, but bloodstained discharge from one duct needs proper investigation. Duct excision is one of the ways your doctor can rule out anything serious and treat the cause.
For referring doctors
This procedure can be booked in Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your breast duct excision (subareolar cone excision)?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.