Retained Localization Wire Fragments in the Breast: Long-term Follow-up

Objective: Historically, wire localization was the most widely utilized procedure for preoperative breast lesion localization. Occasionally a portion of the wire is retained in the breast. When recognized intraoperatively, the fragment can be removed immediately, but some cases are identified during post-surgical mammographic follow-up. There is little research detailing long-term stability of retained wire fragments, associated complications, or management options for cases requiring removal. We aimed to determine how often retained wire fragments remained stable, the frequency with which intervention was required, and methods available for fragment removal.

Methods: Following IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective review of patients with a retained wire localization fragment identified by EMR search seen at our institution between January 1990 and July 2019. Mammograms, localization images, specimen radiographs, and relevant clinical notes were reviewed. Information collected included breast tissue density, patient age, associated pathology, length of time the fragment was retained, presence and/or absence of fragment migration or other complications, and management of removed fragments.

Results: Eighteen eligible patients were identified with 19 retained wire fragments. Fragments ranged in length from 1 mm -33 mm. Twelve wire fragments had mammograms available to evaluate stability. All twelve fragments were stable mammographically for an average of 96.9 months. Seven wire fragments had no follow-up mammograms available. Eight wire fragments were surgically excised. None were excised due to migration.

Conclusion: Localization wire fragments retained in the breast are at low risk for clinically significant migration and can be safely followed mammographically rather than undergoing immediate surgical excision or imaging-guided percutaneous removal.