Comparison of Radioactive Seed Localized Excision and Wire Localized Excision of Breast Lesions: A Community Hospital’s Experience

Background Most data comparing wire localized excision (WLE) and radioactive seed localized excision (RSLE) derive from academic institutions with limited data from community hospitals. This study aimed to compare positive margin rates between WLE and RSLE and to determine if there were any differences in specimen volume and operation time. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent WLE or RSLE at a Canadian community hospital. Group characteristics were compared as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression was used determine if the localization techniques were independently associated with having a positive margin. Statistical significance was set as P Results The cohort consisted of 747 (WLE) and 577 (RSLE) patients. Both groups had similar mean age, mean tumor (invasive and ductal carcinoma-in-situ) size, histologic grade distribution, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and extensive intraductal component, nodal status, and hormone receptor and HER2 status. Compared to WLE, patients who underwent RSLE had significantly lower invasive positive margin rates (8.1% vs. 12.3%, P = .03), shorter operation time (39.5 minutes vs. 68.7 minutes, P = .0001), and smaller surgical specimens (21.4 cm³ vs. 30.2 cm³, P = .008). Ductal carcinoma-in-situ positive margin rates were not different between the groups. However, the localization technique was not independently associated with having a positive margin (odds ratio = 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-2.44). Conclusion RSLE led to a shorter operation time and smaller surgical specimens compared to WLE, but there was no difference in positive margin rates. RSLE is an effective technique to excise nonpalpable breast lesions in the community setting.