Does surgeon-performed intraoperative wire localization allow for lower margin positivity rates compared to radiologist-performed preoperative localization in early breast cancer?

Background: This study compares positive margin rates in breast conserving surgery (BCS) for early breast cancer using two localization techniques: surgeon-performed intraoperative ultrasound-guided wire localization (IOWL) versus radiologist-performed preoperative wire localization (POWL).

Methods: Patients with unifocal breast cancer undergoing BCS with follow-up at a single institution were retrospectively identified. Factors associated with positive margins were identified.