Abstract

PURPOSE:This study investigated whether ultrasound-guided vacuum biopsy (VB) with curative intent is suitable for the complete extirpation of selected, sonographically detectable, benign breast lesions, and evaluated the limitations of the method. Our study is based on a long-term median follow-up of 13 months (minimum follow-up 6 months). PATIENTS AND METHODS:Between February 2001 and December 2006 299 patients underwent hand-held, ultrasound-guided VB at the Tuebingen University Breast Center. Inclusion criteria: biopsy was performed with the intention of complete resection and the lesion showed a benign histology, and clinical and sonographical follow-up was carried out for at least 6 months after the biopsy, meaning that the patient did not undergo surgery of the biopsied area during that period. A total of 92 patients with 100 lesions were followed up clinically and sonographically for an average of 13.2 months. RESULTS:A complete removal of sonographically visible lesions (median diameter 13.0 mm) was achieved in 83.5 % of all cases if leasions measured 18 mm or less. Palpable lesions could be reduced by VB in 75.2 % of cases. Complications such as infections or minor bleeding were rare and well treatable. 9.8 % of patients had suspected scar formation at the biopsy site. CONCLUSION: VB is an ambulatory procedure associated with little pain. It is a minimally invasive biopsy technique for benign lesions and a good alternative to open excision with a high degree of acceptance by patients. Complications are rare and similar to that observed with conventional microbiopsy. Results were confirmed by a long-term median follow-up of 13 months (minimum 6 months).

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