Stereotactic breast biopsy: experience in a community setting

This article reviews the first year experience with stereotactically guided percutaneous breast biopsy at Baptist Health Systems Women's Center. One hundred forty eight procedures were performed on one hundred forty one patients from July 1997 through July 1998. Our biopsy program is a cooperative effort involving surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and ancillary health care personnel. In accordance with published literature, we have found the procedure to be efficacious, safe, cost effective and well accepted by patients and physicians. The advantages and limitations of minimally invasive breast biopsy are discussed as well as our concept of the role of this technique in management of patients with an abnormal mammogram.