Background: Stereotactic biopsy techniques supersede conventional hook-wire localization followed by open excision to clarify the dignity of nonpalpable mammographic lesions. The advanced breast biopsy instrumentation (ABBI) allows stereotactically guided excision of a specimen up to 20 mm in diameter on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia.
Methods: Demographic information, mammographic and pathological findings, complications, subsequent interventions and sensitivity as well as efficiency of a series of 144 planned ABBI procedures were documented (largest published single institution series).
Results: The ABBI procedure was successfully performed in 93.8% (135/144); accurate diagnosis was made in 99.3% (134/135), sensitivity for malignant lesions was 96.9% (31/32) and morbidity was 1.5%. Consistent with other published series margins of the biopsy cylinder containing a malignant lesion were involved in 83.9% (26/31).
Conclusions: Excisional biopsy using the ABBI system is a reliable diagnostic tool with a low incidence of morbidity. The therapeutic use is of limited potential.