Hadfelds Procedure
Hadfield's procedure is a surgical technique performed to treat persistent, troublesome nipple discharge, most commonly due to conditions like mammary duct ectasia or intraductal papilloma. The surgery involves making a small incision around the areola and removing the major lactiferous ducts beneath the nipple while preserving the nipple itself. This procedure is typically recommended when the discharge is unilateral, spontaneous, and not associated with breastfeeding, especially if conservative treatments have failed.
The main aim of Hadfield's procedure is to permanently resolve the discharge and rule out any underlying serious pathology like ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). While the surgery is generally safe with good cosmetic outcomes, it does carry risks such as nipple numbness, infection, scarring, and permanent loss of breastfeeding ability from the affected breast. Postoperative recovery is usually smooth, and the procedure provides effective long-term relief from symptoms.