A simple aid to wire localisation procedure in breast surgery: ‘covering the hook-wire with a needle

Abstract

The hooked wire used for localising impalpable lesions in the breast is soft and malleable. Inadvertent cutting with diathermy or scissors1 and difficulty in locating its tip may be problematic during operation. To overcome this, we use a blunt 18-G needle to cover the wire. It prevents inadvertent cutting of the wire (Fig. 1), helps in locating wire tip accurately by moving the hub of the needle (Fig. 2) and minimises breast deformity as less tissue is removed due to better identification of the position of the lesion. In our experience, this is a useful tip for breast surgeons. Figure 1 Protecting needle prevents inadvertent cutting of wire. Figure 2 Position of wire tip can be assessed by moving the hub of the needle up, down or sideways.