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Vacuum-assisted large-core breast biopsy: complications and their incidence
J T Lai1, P Burrowes, J H MacGregor
1Foothills Medical Centre, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Calgary, Alta. jlai@ucalgary.ca
Objective:
To assess both the rate and types of complications associated with vacuum-assisted large-core breast biopsy (VALCBB) at our institution.
Methods:
Three hundred and four VALCBBs performed in 297 patients between Sept. 18, 1997, and Mar. 30, 1999, were evaluated. Complications associated with VALCBB were assessed at the time of the procedure and in the post-procedure period. Adverse outcomes included pain, bleeding or bruising, and hematoma. Complications were also classified in terms of minor, significant, and major severity.
Results:
VALCBB yielded non-minor (i.e., significant and major) complication rates of 3.9% during the procedure and 3.6% in the post-procedure period, with only 2 complications (vasovagal-induced seizure and migraine) that required treatment.
Conclusion:
With proper technique and patient preparation, VALCBB is a very safe procedure with a low complication rate.