An improved process for breast cancer margin identification and orientation.
Breast conservation surgery has improved treatment for women faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer. A key factor in breast cancer surgery is the assurance of clear surgical margins. Inadequate or unclear margins prompt the need for re-excision, which can be physically and emotionally stressful for patients. A variety of techniques have been used to indicate margins intraoperatively, but the use of arbitrary methods can contribute to miscommunication between the OR and the radiology and pathology departments. A standardized process to identify surgical margins using radiopaque charms has improved communication and outcomes for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery at one facility.
Bristol Hospital, Bristol, CT, USA.
Mary
M
Beland
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000592:standards; D012015:Reference Standards; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*