Feasibility of surgeon performing ultrasound in symptomatic breast clinics: the Brighton experience

Introduction

Breast ultrasound (US) is becoming increasingly used by surgeons in symptomatic breast clinics as an extended tool for diagnosis and as an adjunct to interventional procedures.

Aim

To assess the feasibility of surgeons performing breast US in symptomatic breast clinics either as an adjunct to triple assessment or on their own for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Method

We analysed the results of one surgeon performing diagnostic and interventional US procedures after appropriate training as recommended by the Royal College of Radiologists and the support of a local radiologist between January 2004 and April 2005. One hundred and fifty-six patients underwent an US scan either on its own or as part of the triple assessment.

Results

See Table 1.

Table 1

Conclusion

Of the three patients (2%) who had a recall by the radiologists, no cancer was missed. With appropriate training and support by the radiologist, and auditing one's performance, surgeons can safely perform US scans in the breast clinic.