Stereotactic Automated Surgical Biopsy Using the ABBI Biopsy Device: A Multicenter Study

Abstract: Our objective was to evaluate the early experience with stereotactic automated surgical biopsy and assess the accuracy, safety, and efficacy of this technique among multiple physicians during the early phase of the learning curve. Experience was collected by standardized reporting from eight centers. Stereotactic automated surgical biopsies were performed using the 10, 15, and 20 mm ABBI® units on a dedicated stereotactic table. Data was collected for the first 654 biopsies performed at eight institutions. The radiologic abnormality was successfully biopsied in 99.7% of cases. A second diagnostic procedure was needed in 0.4% of cases. There were four minor, clinically significant complications (0.6%) and all patients returned to their normal activities by the following day. The cosmetic results were considered good in 99.8% of cases. The thoroughness of the pathologic information from the biopsies was comparable to open surgical biopsy. We conclude that the stereotactic automated surgical biopsy is a safe and highly accurate technique. The procedure is minimally invasive when compared to open biopsy, without sacrificing the diagnostic precision and detailed pathologic information obtained from the open surgery. Considering the very low rebiopsy rate and a significant reduction in the need for short-term mammograms when compared to core needle biopsy, the procedure is also cost-effective.