Accuracy of stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with a 10-gauge hand-held system.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and the safety of stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with a 10-gauge hand-held portable system.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective data review of 288 consecutive breast lesions that underwent stereotactic 10-gauge hand-held portable vacuum-assisted biopsy from October 2004 through March 2006, was performed. The mean number of core specimens and the percentage of complete radiological removal of the target lesion were analysed. ADH and DCIS under-estimation were evaluated, as were the immediate and delayed complications due to the procedure.

Results: The mean number of core specimens obtained per procedure was 9 (range 4-24). Complete radiological excision of the target lesion was achieved in 31.6% (91 of 288) with 91% of these lesions smaller than 10mm (mean size 7 mm; range 4-20mm). Under-estimation of ADH and DCIS was 18.2% (2 of 11) and 19.2% (9 of 47), respectively. There was no false negative result within a 3-year follow-up (from 2005 till date). Complications were mild and consisted of immediate bleeding and delayed haematomas.

Conclusion: Breast biopsy using 10-gauge vacuum system is an accurate and safe technique for sampling non-palpable breast lesions.