Digital Breast Localization
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Brandon Regional Hospital's digital breast localization suite is located on the first floor of the hospital in the Radiology Department. You will have a Pre-Op consultation several days prior to your surgery. Please bring your mammogram films as well as the radiology reports to this consultation. This will help ensure that you, as an educated health care consumer, get the very best in breast care. On the day of your scheduled procedure, please arrive in Day Surgery in Tower A (park in South Parking Garage) 2 hours prior to your appointment.
What is a Digital Breast Localization?
A digital breast localization is a procedure to locate a specific area within the breast prior to surgical removal of the tissue. The digital breast localization and subsequent surgery are performed in an outpatient setting. This procedure involves placing a small needle and guide wire into the area of interest in the breast to serve as a guide for the surgeon during surgery. A digital breast localization requires at least 45 minutes and does involve local anesthesia. The surgery does involve general anesthesia and sutures.
How is the Procedure Performed?
A physician performs the digital breast localization with assistance from a mammography technologist. After you change into a hospital gown, the technologist will have you sit in a specially designed biopsy chair or lie on a specially designed biopsy table and position your breast for the procedure.
The first part of the procedure will be very similar to a mammogram. Your breast will be compressed and a confirming x-ray will be taken to ensure that the area of abnormality is positioned appropriately.
The physician will then inject a local anesthetic into your breast. This will be done with a tiny needle and you may feel a slight sting. Once the area is numb, the physician will insert the needle and guide wire into your breast. Two x-rays will be taken in different positions to ensure proper needle placement. Once this is confirmed, the compression paddle will be released. The needle and/or guide wire will remain in your breast until your scheduled surgery time. The technologist will then apply a dressing to cover the needle and/or guide wire.
When Can I Resume My Normal Activities?
The physician will give you instructions for your care after the procedure. Many women return to their normal activities within several days, but it is recommended that strenuous exercise or activities be avoided for at least 24 hours.
How Will I Find Out the Results?
The biopsy is sent to the hospital pathologist. The pathologist will review the tissue sample under a microscope and send a report to your referring physician within 72 hours. Your referring physician will discuss the results of the procedure with you at your follow-up visit.
Future Questions
If you have any additional questions for the mammography technologist, please call 813-681-5551, extension 2553.