Patient satisfaction and efficacy of vacuum-assisted excision biopsy of fibroadenomas
Received 14 April 2008; received in revised form 4 September 2008; accepted 11 September 2008.
Aim
To establish the efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction for vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) excision of fibroadenomas.
Materials and methods
All patients referred for VAB of benign lesions from 11 December 2002 to 30 November 2006 were identified prospectively, and the following data were recorded: age, histology, lesion size, and completeness of excision. A questionnaire was sent at least a year after the procedure to assess pain, complications, residual palpable lesions, and cosmetic result.
Results
One hundred and thirty-four patients were referred for VAB, 81 had fibroadenomas. Fifty-nine percent replied to the questionnaire. Fifty-four percent of patients reported no pain during the procedure, 8% rated their pain at ≥3/10. Thirty-two percent had no pain the week after the procedure, 55% had pain ≥3/10. Seventy-nine percent had no palpable mass at the site of the original lesion. Ninety-four percent would recommend the procedure to others and would prefer further VAB to surgery. Bruising was common, one patient required aspiration of a haematoma. Six percent developed infections, all resolved with antibiotic therapy. Eighty-five percent of patients were completely satisfied with the cosmetic result. Interval ultrasound was performed in 36 patients. A palpable mass was present in 11%, a non-palpable mass in 19%, and no mass in 70%.
Conclusion
VAB excision is well-tolerated, safe, and popular with a high initial success rate for fibroadenomas. Bruising and pain are common the week after the procedure.
The Nottingham Breast Institute, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
Guarantor and correspondent: P Thurley, The Nottingham Breast Institute, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK. Tel.: +44 115 9691169; fax: +44 115 9627776.
ABSTRACT