Open versus stereotactic breast biopsy

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic breast biopsy has been developed as a less invasive means of performing biopsy for mammographic abnormalities. METHODS: From July 1994 through June 1995, 103 women with mammographic abnormalities requiring biopsy were prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.