Wire-guided localization is performed to locate the exact place within the breast where the abnormality is and the surgeon cannot feel it physically. The localization procedure is done by a radiologist, who places a narrow guide-wire into the breast so that the tip lies within the affected area. The main benefit of this surgery is the removal of the affected area, identified on mammogram or ultrasound, even before a doctor or the patient can feel it

Wire-guided localization is presently the most commonly used localization method for non-palpable breast lesions.

Most people are admitted on the same of the surgery and in the morning wire localization is carried out. The patient is not allowed to eat anything for 6 hours before giving anesthesia. Clear fluids can be given up to 2 hours before operation. A pre-medication may be given 1-2 hours before operation to help the patient to relax and reduce the discomfort.

A radiologist will first numb the area using a local anesthetic and then locate the affected area in the breast with a narrow guide wire. This is done using a either an ultrasound or a mammography. The entire procedure takes up to 30 mins.

After the procedure, the guide wire is taped to the chest and the patient is returned to the ward. To prevent the wire from dislocating, there is a small hook at its tip so that it doesn’t move before the operation. The patient may be taken for biopsy or wide local excision on the same day. A very small piece of breast tissue at the tip of the guide wire will be removed and sent for analysis. The patient will spend up to an hour in the recovery ward. On return to the normal ward, your blood pressure, pulse and dressings will be checked. Dr. Monika will explain about the drain care at home, if it is in place and about your next follow-up. The surgery scar will fade over time.