ABSTRACT
In performing needle localization breast biopsies(NLBB) under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, we investigated, whether complication rates would be acceptable when compared with complications of the breast performed for palpable masses. We were also interested in determining whether our rate of missed biopsies would be acceptable or not. We performed the NLBB on 55 patients with a nonpalpable breast lesion, and open biopsy on 98 patients with a palpable breast mass under local anesthesia from 1992 to 1995. The missed biopsy rate was one (1.8%) of 55. Complication of NLBB occured in 4 cases(7.3%), including 1 case of seroma, 2 cases of hematoma, and 1 case of abscess. The complication rate was not statistically different from NLBB(7.3%) and open biopsy(6.1%). (P=0.25) Eleven carcinomas, including 8 cases of invasive and 3 cases of DCIS, were found with NLBB procedure.. But there was no in situ carcinoma among the palpable lesions. Needle localization breast biopsies can be performed under local anesthesia and complications rates were similar to those associated with biopsies of palpable lesions. But missed biopsy could occur if the localization was not performed exactly.