Preoperative hook-wire localization of nonpalpable breast lesions by use of standard and stereotactic technique

A series of 151 women underwent 153 preoperative hook-wire localization of nonpalpable breast lesions, all of them without reinserting the needle. Measured by our criteria, the success for localization procedure was stereotactically 73% and conventionally 47%. Measured by criteria of surgeon acceptability and evidence of successful removal of the lesion, the success rate for localization was stereotactically 84% and conventionally 97%. Failure to remove the suspicious lesion in our series was more common after stereotactical than conventional localization with larger specimens. At present our experience and results of stereotactic wire localization are improving. We believe that the stereotactic wire localization without previous checking of the needle position is accurate and shortens the time required for the whole procedure.