Learning curve for breast mass excision using a vacuum-assisted biopsy system.

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 20(th) 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.