A novel modality for intraoperative margin assessment and its impact on re-excision rates in breast conserving surgery

Abstract

BackgroundA single center retrospective chart review was performed examining the ability of a novel radiofrequency probe (Margin Probe; Dune Medical Devices, Caesarea, Israel) for intraoperative margin assessment to reduce the number of reexcisions in breast-conserving surgery. MethodsReexcision rates were evaluated in one-hundred and twenty consecutive patients before and after the institution of the device. Utility of the device was evaluated by comparing intraoperative feedback with postoperative pathology reports. ResultsTwo hundred and forty patient subjects were reviewed in total. There was a significant decrease in the re-lumpectomy rate (50%, p = 0.039) in the device group without increasing the total volume of tissue resected. ConclusionsThe use of the MarginProbe device as an adjunct to the standard of care resulted in reduction of positive margins after lumpectomy and the number of re-excisions, significantly improving outcomes in breast-conserving surgery at our institution.