Technique of intraoperative ultrasound-guided excision of impalpable breast lesions

Abstract

The introduction of breast screening programs has led to the increased detection of occult breast lesions requiring diagnostic surgical biopsy or breast-conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer. Excision of impalpable breast lesions can be challenging. Whilst a variety of techniques have now been described including the use of adjuncts such as hook wires, radioactive seeds, magnetic seeds or radiofrequency devices, many of these modalities are expensive and can be logistically problematic. The technique of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided excision is a straightforward technique which is safe, cost-efficient and avoids a painful preoperative procedure for patients such as hook wire localisation. Whilst the use of intraoperative ultrasound-guided excision of breast lesions has been widely reported, the actual technique itself has been less well described.