The use of a short-acting benzodiazepine to reduce the risk of syncopal episodes during upright stereotactic breast biopsy.
The use of sublingual lorazepam provides a safe and effective means of reducing the risk of syncopal episodes during upright stereotactic breast biopsy. Sublingual lorazepam, 2-4mg, was received by 19 women undergoing a total of 20 stereotactic procedures. Of 14 women who had previously fainted during upright stereotactic biopsy, 13 had a successful repeat biopsy following administration of sublingual lorazepam. All 4 women who received lorazepam for significant anxiety had successful biopsies. Stereotactic guided wire localization also was performed in 2 cases.
James
J J
JJ
Breast Institute, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK. jjames3@ncht.trent.nhs.uk
Wilson
A R M
AR
Evans
A J
AJ
Burrell
H
H
Cornford
E J
EJ
Hamilton
L J
LJ
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011187:Posture; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D013575:Syncope / Q000517:prevention & control*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D008140:Lorazepam