Value of intra-operative ultrasound in localization of palpable or non-palpable breast tumors during breast conserving surgery

Abstract

Purpose: Our study was designed to assess the role of intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) as a method of localization of palpable or non-palpable breast tumors during breast conserving surgery (BCS) and ensuring adequate margins by comparing pathological results of these lesions to be sure if the IOUS localization is effective as a localization tool or not. We included both palpable and non-palpable to add a great effect to the BCS to ensure adequate margins that are not accurately palpated by the surgeon. Introduction: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is an alternative to mastectomy in treatment of cancer breast. The matter of tumor localization is a problematic issue with the wire localization being the commonest with multiple drawbacks. Another method for localization which is the IOUS is investigated. Patients and methods: This prospective, controlled study enrolled 60 female patients. 30 of them comprised case group (group I) had breast conserving surgeries guided by IOUS and the other 30 patients as a control (group II) who had breast conserving surgeries without any guidance. Specimens Pathological examination was done to ensure the adequacy of free margins. Results: 6 patients from the case group and 14 of the control group had involved inadequate margins. Conclusion: IOUS is an essential adjunct to surgery that should be experienced to maintain safety and cosmoses as the two major impacts of BCS.