The Role of Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Removal of Gynecomastia

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of performing ultrasound (US)-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsies for the treatment (mammotome excision) of gynecomastia. Materials and Methods: Between November 2005 and December 2006, nine male patients underwent USguided mammotome excision for eleven cases of true gynecomastia. The patient ages ranged from 14 to 55 years (mean age, 32.3 years). US-guided mammotome excision was performed with an 11-gauge needle in seven cases and an 8-gauge needle in four cases. After the procedure, the cigarette method using gauze packing was performed. The number of samples, procedure time and presence of complications were evaluated. Scheduled follow-up physical and US examinations were performed after three and six months. Results: For 11 cases of US-guided mammotome excision of gynecomastia, the number of samples ranged from 12-126 (mean, 66) and the procedure time ranged from 10-42 minutes (mean time, 25.1 minutes). Clinical significant complications did not occur immediately after the procedure and complications were not seen after a follow-up examination in any of the cases. At the 3- and 6-month follow up examinations, all of the patients showed a normal male physical appearance on a physical examination and there was no evidence of hypoechoic glandular tissues as seen on ultrasonograms. Conclusion: US-guided mammotome excision is effective for the treatment of small, glandular true gynecomastia and is suggested as a new modality to replace the need for surgery or liposuction.