Vacuum-Assisted Excision of B3 Lesions: A District General Hospital Experience

Objective  The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of utilizing vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) for the management of B3 lesions and to determine the rate of malignant upgrades. Materials and Methods  This observational study was conducted at Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Redhill. All patients with B3 histology on core biopsy from October 2019 to October 2022 were included in the study. The upgrades in both the B3 group with atypia and the B3 group without atypia were examined in terms of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive status, and grade. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS version 21. Results  About 65% of the participants in the present study have B3 lesions in their left breast and 43% of the participants have lesions located in the upper inner area of the breast. The majority of the participants in the study had B3 lesions without atypia (75%). In 70 participants, VAE was performed. Out of 70 participants, only 15 had lesion upgrade after VAE (21.4%). Post-VAE follow-up planning was discussed in multidisciplinary team as per the National Health Service breast screening guidelines. Conclusion  The utilization of VAE is a viable alternative strategy for the treatment of B3 lesions, resulting in a decrease in the necessity for invasive surgical interventions. This observational study shows the efficacy of a less invasive procedure in replacement of a surgical procedure producing optimal long-term benefit and less side effects.