Outpatient breast biopsies on a gynecologic service

One hundred forty-six breast biopsies in 143 patients were done on outpatient basis, without general anesthesia, on a gynecologic service between 1975 and 1980. This procedure has advantages over in-hospital biopsy in terms of cost, time, reduced immediate risk, and patient acceptance. Greater long-term risk, if carcinoma is found, has not been substantiated. Gynecologists need this procedure as an adjunct to the management of benign breast conditions and should be trained to do it.