Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB)

Please bring with you:

• Your request form
• Medicare and any
• Healthcare cards

Payment on the day of the examination is requested.

What is a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB)?

If breast imaging demonstrates areas of concern in the breast tissue, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) can be used to remove samples of tissue for examination.

A VABB is a safe procedure and is a less invasive alternative to surgical biopsy.

What preparation is required?

Our nurse will contact you before your appointment to discuss the procedure in more detail.

Please let us know if you are taking any blood thinning medication.

It is important that you notify our staff of any drug allergies, particularly to local anaesthetic or antiseptic.

Avoid wearing deodorant or talcum powder on the day of the examination.

We recommended you wear a two-piece outfit as you will be required to remove the clothing on your upper body. You will wear a gown during the procedure.

On arrival our specialised nurse will discuss the procedure, obtain consent and explain the reason for your pre-medication (oral Valium).

What will happen during the examination?

VABBs are performed under guidance of mammogram, ultrasound or MRI.

Our caring team of Radiographers and nurse will support you at all times throughout the procedure. After you are positioned in the machine and local anaesthetic is given, a special biopsy needle is then inserted through a small incision in the skin and a vacuum-powered instrument is used to take several small samples. Samples will then be sent to a pathology company for histology. Following this a formal report will be sent to your referring doctor.

Please be aware pathology analysis is performed by external providers and may incur a separate out of pocket expense.

VABB breast clip

During a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, it may be necessary for our radiologist to insert a small breast clip to mark a particular area for the referring doctor.

Are there any risks?

A VABB is a safe procedure, however in rare cases complications may arise.

Bleeding from the incision in the breast may occur, but is managed by applying pressure. Ice packs are used to minimise bruising.

After the examination

You may be required to stay in the department for observation for up to 1 hour after the procedure.

You will require a driver to escort you home after the procedure.

Locations

VABBs are performed at our North Adelaide (08) 8331 5900 and Salisbury (08) 7285 6000 branches.

MRI guided VABBs are performed at our North Adelaide branch only.