Experience with seed localization for nonpalpable breast lesions in a public health care system

Roshni Rao, Amy Moldrem, Venetia Sarode, John White, Matt Amen, Madhu Rao, Valerie Andrews, David Euhus, Lee Radford, Michael Ulissey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Seed localization uses a radioactive source to identify nonpalpable breast lesions for excision; it is an emerging alternative to wire localization (WL). Previous single health system studies report decreased rates of re-excision and improved patient convenience with this technique. This study is the first to implement this procedure in a public health care delivery system composed of a primarily minority and low-income population. Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary team was formed to create a protocol for breast seed localization (BSL) and monitor the results. After 50 seed localizations were successfully completed, a retrospective matched-pair analysis with patients who had undergone WL during the same period was performed. Results: Overall experience with the BSL protocol is reviewed, along with the occurrence of a seed loss. Processes necessary to reactivate the BSL protocol and prevent future losses are delineated. BSL is associated with decreased rates of re-excision and can be successfully implemented in a public health care system. Conclusions: BSL is an attractive alternative to WL in a high-volume, county-based population. It allows increased efficiency in the operating room and has a low rate of complications. Cautionary measures must be taken to ensure proper seed chain of custody to prevent seed loss.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3241-3246
Number of pages6
JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology
Volume17
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oncology

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