Background: This review was made to evaluate whether the efficiencies of intraoperative ultrasound-guided localization could be extended to stereotactic biopsy cases by using a marker visible by sonography and mammography.
Methods: A retrospective review identified 170 stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted biopsy (DVAB) procedures marked with an ultrasound-visible marker. Localization device, imaging method, lesion retrieval, and margin status were assessed for patients having subsequent lumpectomy or wider excision.
Results: Nineteen of 170 patients underwent lumpectomies (12) or wider excision (7) localized by a radiofrequency device or 18G needle up to 7 weeks after stereotactic biopsy. In 15 of 19 procedures, an ultrasound-guided localization was performed intraoperatively, targeting the marker. All targeted lesions were successfully excised. In the 13 malignant lesions (of 19 surgeries), only 1 had a positive margin (8%).
Conclusions: Marking stereotactic biopsies with a sonographically visible marker allows ultrasound-guided intraoperative localization, improving efficiencies for the patient, surgeon, and operating room schedule.