Abstract
Background : Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy system (VAB) is an alternative modality to core needle biopsy for the diagnosis of breast lesions. Material and methods : Fifty-four patients who underwent ultrasound-guided VAB procedures were analyzed. Patients were categorized into two groups: The first 20 consecutive patients as group A and the next 34 consecutive patients as group B. Results : Fifty-two patients underwent excision, and two underwent biopsy only. Moving average curves showed a plateau phase for performing VAB procedures after the 20th patient. Total operation times of group B were significantly shorter than those of group A (p < 0.001). Complication rates in group B tended to be lower, and VAB probe position of group B tended to be better than that of group A, but these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion : Our data suggest the existence of a learning curve for ultrasound-guided VAB procedures. VAB procedures can be performed safely, even during the early learning period.
Acknowledgement
This paper is dedicated to the memory of Soo Geun Park, O.M.D., who had offered a tremendous amount of support and encouragement.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.