Effect of Wire Localization Performer in Local Excision Biopsy for Mammographic Microcalcifications

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate whether execution of wire localization and excision by the same operator can improve accuracy and excision time in local excision biopsy of mammographic microcalcifications. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent diagnostic excision biopsy for mammographic microcalcification between May 2011 and December 2014 were reviewed. Forty-three localized excision biopsies were performed in 41 patients during this period. We compared operation time, specimen size for the target cluster size, and re-excision rate in patients in whom wire localization and excision were performed by the same operator, with those in whom wire localization and excision were performed by a radiologist and operator, respectively. Results: The median operation time of the group that underwent wire localization performed by the operator was 64 minutes, compared to 79 minutes in the group that underwent wire localization performed by a radiologist. However, this was not a statistically significant difference (p=0.111). The median detection time (the time between start of incision and verification for the final specimen mammography) was 42 minutes in the former group, which was significantly shorter in univariate (p=0.044) and multivariate (p=0.018) analyses than the 59 minutes for the latter group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in specimen size for the target cluster size, or in re-excision rates. Conclusion: Execution of wire localization by the operator, instead of a radiologist, may contribute to shorter operation times, without increasing extent of resection or re-excision rate in local excision biopsy for mammographic microcalcification.