Open versus stereotactic breast biopsy

Stereotactic breast biopsy has been developed as a less invasive means of performing biopsy for mammographic abnormalities.

From July 1994 through June 1995, 103 women with mammographic abnormalities requiring biopsy were prospectively evaluated.

Fifty-one women had open biopsy, and 52 women had stereotactic biopsy. The average age in both groups was 60 years. Pathology revealed malignancy in 12% of stereotactic biopsies and 13% of open biopsies. Complications occurred in 6% of the open biopsies and 4% of the stereotactic biopsies and were limited to hematomas or seromas. The average cost was $2400 for open biopsy and $650 for stereotactic biopsy (P < 0.01). One hundred and one patients returned for a follow-up mammogram within 6 months, and 1 patient in each group required a second biopsy, which revealed benign pathology. A Patient Satisfaction Survey revealed no significant differences in patient satisfaction between the two types of procedures.

There were no differences between open and stereotactic biopsies in regards to diagnostic accuracy, complications, or patient satisfaction. A significant difference was noted in charges during the time frame of our study.