Introduction. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and patient approval of guided surgical biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions in the ambulatory setting and under local anesthesia.
Patients and method. Thirty consecutive patients (31 biopsies), referred by a breast cancer screening program were studied prospectively. The biopsies were performed under local anesthesia in the ambulatory setting. We evaluated the monitoring parameters throughout the procedure, postoperative recovery (based on a postanesthesia evaluation scale or "PAES") and patient pain and satisfaction.
Results. The procedure was carried out under local anesthesia and in the ambulatory setting in every case. Minor morbidity occurred in four cases. The parameters monitored only showed changes (bradycardia) in two patients. The mean PAES was 9.93 (range: 9 to 10) and the mean patient pain level was 2.5 (range: 0 to 5). Satisfaction with the procedure was scored at 8.7 (range: 6 to 10) and 29 patients (93.5%) stated that they "would repeat the procedure under the same conditions".
Conclusions. Guided surgical biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions under local anesthesia and in the ambulatory setting is safe and satisfactory for the patient