Contemporaneous comparison of localisation techniques used in breast-conserving surgery in a single breast unit

Abstract

Introduction: Evaluation of breast localisation techniques has centred on comparison with retrospective case series using wire-guided localisation. This study was designed to compare wire, Magseed and SCOUT radar localisers used contemporaneously in a single breast unit. Method(s): All patients undergoing localised breast-conserving cancer surgery from 1st January until 30th April 2024 were included. Magseed was the localisation method of choice, followed by SCOUT radar for patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Wire was used for cases where there was a less than seven-day turnaround time between consent and procedure. Statistical analysis was performed with non-parametric ANCOVA and binomial logistic regression, adjusting for lesion size, procedure type, axillary procedure and body mass index (BMI). Result(s): 113 women underwent localised breast-conserving surgery performed by twelve surgeons. Mean patient age was 59.3 (29-84) years and mean BMI was 27.9 kg/m2. 64 (57%) cases were localised with Magseed, 32 (28%) with SCOUT and 17 (15%) with wire. There were no differences in mean procedure duration of 83.9 (21-243) minutes (p=0.503) and re-excision rate of 15% (p=0.223) after adjusting for procedure type. Mean specimen weight was lower with Magseed than wire at 54.7g vs. 59.2g (p=0.004). No differences in these endpoints were found when adjusting by lesion size, axillary procedure and BMI. Migration rate was 6%, most common in Magseed (5), SCOUT (1) and wire (1). Conclusion(s): Use of Magseed decreased the specimen weight compared with wire although there was no difference in re-excision rate. Choice of localiser can be made on a clinical or cost-efficiency basis. Copyright © 2025