Intraoperative localization after stereotactic breast biopsy without a needle

Background: Needle localization breast biopsy (NLBB) is the standard for the removal of breast lesions after vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB). Disadvantages include a miss rate of 0% to 22%, risk of vasovagal reactions, and scheduling difficulties. We hypothesized that the hematoma resulting from VABB could be used to localize the VABB site with intraoperative ultrasonography (US) for excision. Methods: Twenty patients had VABB followed by intraoperative US-guided excision. Results: The previous VABB site in 19 patients was successfully visualized with intraoperative US and excised at surgery. One patient had successful removal of the targeted area under US guidance, but failed to show removal of the clip on initial specimen mammogram. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of US in identifying hematomas after VABB for excision. This technique, which can be performed weeks after VABB, improves patient comfort and allows easier scheduling. (C) 2002 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.