Physician preference and patient satisfaction with radioactive seed versus wire localization

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Breast Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Nonpalpable breast lesions necessitate preoperative localization for surgical excision.
• Wire localization (WL) and radioactive seed localization (SL) are common methods, but no guidelines exist for modality selection.
• Investigating factors influencing SL versus WL selection and patient satisfaction is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing the choice between radioactive seed localization (SL) and wire localization (WL) for nonpalpable breast lesions.
• To assess and compare patient satisfaction with both SL and WL procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 341 patients undergoing preoperative localization from May 2014 to August 2015.
• Physician surveys to determine factors influencing the decision between SL and WL.
• Postoperative patient surveys to evaluate satisfaction and comfort levels.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in patient demographics, disease characteristics, or need for axillary surgery between SL and WL groups.
• Physician preference was the primary driver for selecting SL or WL when both were options.
• Patient satisfaction, preoperative anxiety, and postoperative pain were comparable between SL and WL groups.

Conclusions:

• Both radioactive seed localization (SL) and wire localization (WL) provide similar patient comfort and satisfaction.
• The selection between SL and WL is influenced by a combination of logistic and clinical considerations, including physician and patient preference.