Intraductal placement of a Kopans spring-hookwire guide to localize nonpalpable breast lesions detected by galactography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a new procedure for locating intraductal breast lesions detected by galactography, using the technique of intraductal placement of a Kopans spring-hookwire guide.


METHODS
A catheter (0.7 mm) with a Kopans hookwire guide inside it was placed in 34 patients in whom an intraductal growth had been detected by galactography. The catheter was introduced through the discharging duct, with one hand holding the catheter and the other hand gently pushing the Kopans guide until it was anchored in the duct. The correct position of the guide was confirmed with new galactograms.


RESULTS
A precise excision of the lesion was satisfactorily executed in 29 of 34 patients (85%) who underwent this procedure. In 5 patients the method was unsuccessful because the Kopans guide was dislodged.


CONCLUSIONS
This method is effective in removing intraductal lesions because it ensures a precise ductal excision and enables the pathologist to find the lesion more easily.
Vega Bolívar
A
A
Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
Landeras Alvaro
R
R
Ortega García
E
E
D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002404:Catheterization; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods; D009558:Nipples / Q000378:metabolism; D010212:Papilloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods
D003287:Contrast Media