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Patient Instructions

  • Ductogram of the Breast

Patient Instructions - Ductogram of the Breast

A ductogram of the breast is a procedure in which contrast material (Omnipaque) is injected into a breast duct. The duct system of the breast can then be visualized. A ductogram is performed to assist your physician in assessing your breast discharge.

Before your procedure

  • You may eat a light breakfast and take your medications as usual.

  • Do not wear deodorants, powders or perfumes on your upper body.

  • You will be asked to undress from the waist up, so wear a blouse, shirt or sweater that you can easily remove rather than a dress.

During your procedure

  • You will be positioned on a table, lying on your back or sitting upright in a chair.

  • A technologist will assist the radiologist in cleansing your skin.

  • The radiologist then uses a plastic probe to enter the duct or area of your breast producing discharge. For this reason, it is important that discharge is present at the time of the procedure.

  • The contrast material is then injected through the plastic probe.

  • The probe is secured to your skin as your breast is compressed and X-ray pictures are obtained.

  • The radiologist will review the films and decide if additional views are necessary.

  • The plastic probe is then removed and a gauze dressing or band-aid may be applied over the nipple to prevent discharge from coming in contact with clothing.

After your procedure

  • You may resume normal activity.

  • You may experience an increase in breast discharge over the next 2-3 days. This is normal after this procedure.

  • You may have site pain and tenderness – Tylenol may be taken if not contraindicated.

  • If you experience redness or swelling of the breast, fever over 100.5 degrees or bloody nipple discharge that persists beyond 4 days, please contact your physician.

  • The radiologist will discuss the results of your ductogram with you and a report of the procedure will be sent to your physician.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.

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