What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Ductoscopy?
Breast diseases are common among women, with many experiencing breast nodules and hyperplasia. This is why women often experience breast tenderness before menstruation. Typically, breast examinations involve ultrasound scans, while some may require ductoscopy. So, what are the pros and cons of ductoscopy? Below, we'll delve into the advantages and considerations of this procedure.
1. Ductoscopy is a non-invasive surgical procedure.
2. It allows for direct visualization and can be used as a clinical diagnostic tool, clarifying surgical indications for patients with nipple discharge but no palpable mass, and avoiding unnecessary surgery for patients with symptoms such as duct dilation. Furthermore, it provides reliable evidence for early diagnosis of breast cancer.
3. Ductoscopy offers three-dimensional surgical localization, clarifying the location and scope of surgery, thus improving surgical accuracy and success rates, and minimizing the surgical area. For example, it can accurately determine the distance between the cancerous lesion within the duct and the nipple.
4. Through the ductoscopy instrumentation channel, some surgical and examination instruments can be inserted directly into the ductal cavity, allowing for cellular biopsies using brushes (without the need to aspirate fluid from the cavity) and the removal of benign spicule tumors using tools such as baskets.
5. With the development of clinical medicine, ductoscopy will create favorable conditions for the application of laser technology in the direct removal of intraductal tumors.
1. Accurately select the diseased duct to avoid false passages caused by violent dilation.
2. Follow the principle of cavity-guided endoscopy, adjusting the endoscope direction to align with the duct's course to prevent penetration or damage to the duct wall.
3. Observe various levels of the ducts, noting any narrowing, dilation, elasticity, color, congestion, erosion, or stiffness.
4. Evaluate the size, color, and surface features of lesions within the ductal cavity.
5. Perform ductoscopy gently and slowly to protect the optical fibers and lens.
6. Inject an appropriate amount of water or air during the procedure, avoiding excessive pressure to prevent ductal rupture.
7. After the examination, ensure that the ductal cavity is cleared of saline or air. Apply antibiotic ointment to the nipple, cover with sterile gauze, and avoid bathing on the same day.
