Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients with Positive Nodes Using Low-Cost Dual Dye Technique: Identifying Factors Associated with Adequate False Negative Rate Threshold.

Background: In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification rate (SLN-IR) of fluorescein-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in combination with methylene blue dye (MBD) and factors which can lead to a false negative rate (FNR) threshold of 10%. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional non-randomized validation study in patients with post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) clinically node negative axilla who were node positive prior to start of NACT. Patients underwent validation of SLNB using fluorescein (and blue LED light) and MBD. Axillary dissection was performed irrespective of SLNB histology. SLIN-IR and FNR were assessed and compared with various molecular subtypes. Results: The SLNs were identified in 102 out of 120 (85%) post-NACT patients. The median number of sentinel lymph nodes identified was 2 (range 1-3). The SLN-IR using MBD was 85%, FD was 82.5%, and combined MBD FD was 85%. Two or more SLNs were removed in 72 patients and 11 patients had tumor in the rest of the axilla, resulting in an FNR of 17.4%. An FNR was 25% in case only one SLN was found, and it was 11.42% if two or more than two SLNs were excised. Conclusions: This cohort study found that use of low-cost dual dyes in patients with positive axillary disease, rendered cN0 with NACT, with 2 or more negative SLNs with SLNB alone, results in an FNR of 11.4%. Her 2 positive and TNBC with 2 or more negative SLNs are associated with an FNR of <10%. However, the number of such patients was small and further studies with larger sample size are warranted to confirm these findings.

A comparison of swallowing related quality of life in patients undergoing transoral endoscopic versus open thyroid surgery.

INTRODUCTION: It is important for the endoscopic thyroid surgeon to understand the pros and cons of trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy-vestibular approach (TOETVA) vis-à-vis, open conventional thyroidectomy (OTx) so he/she can help patients in making informed choices regarding the type of procedure to opt for. Swallowing related quality of life (SWAL-QoL) has not been compared between the two approaches. Using a rigorous qualitative methodology and validated reliable tool, this study set out to compare the swallowing related quality of life in patients undergoing TOETVA versus OTx. METHODS: Prospective study at 3 time points in patients planned for hemithyroidectomy (Preoperative, 1 week and 12 weeks). Data were collected on patients at a tertiary teaching institute in India. Participants ranged from age 18-60 years with a diagnosis of benign euthyroid nodule undergoing hemithyroidectomy. Exclusion criteria were-(1) pre-existing vocal cord abnormalities, (2) undergoing surgery for recurrent nodules, and (3) any neuro-muscular disease affecting swallowing ability. Main outcome measure was comparison of swallowing related quality of life domain scores between patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy via either endoscopic trans-oral or open approach. RESULTS: Of the 82 included patients, 40 underwent TOETVA and 42 OTx. Both the groups were comparable in terms of demographic and clinicopathological profile. The mean preoperative SWAL-QOL scores were comparable in all domains. Mean SWAL-QoL scores for all domains on postoperative day 7 were significantly better in TOETVA group with domains burden, eating desire, mental health and communication having medium effect sizes. Physical symptom domain was better in the OTx group but had a small effect size. The difference in SWAL-QoL domains between the two groups persisted for 3 months also. CONCLUSION: Swallowing related quality of life after trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy compared to conventional open surgery has not been reported in the literature. Our findings suggest that trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy results in significant superior swallowing related quality of life in the majority of domains.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic performance of fluorescein-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy in early breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of axillary lymph nodes status in cN0 axilla is performed by sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) utilizing a combination of radioactive isotope and blue dye or alternative to isotope like Indocyanine green (ICG). Both are very resource-intensive; which has prompted development of low-cost technique of Fluorescein Sodium (FS)-guided SLNB. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the diagnostic performance of FS-guided SLNB in early breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of FS for sentinel lymph node biopsy. METHODS: Eligibility criteria: Studies where SLNB was performed using FS. INFORMATION SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and online clinical trial registers. Risk of bias: Articles were assessed for risk of bias using the QUADAS-2 tool. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS: The main summary measures were pooled Sentinel Lymph Node Identification Rate (SLN-IR) and pooled False Negative Rate (FNR) using random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 45 articles were retrieved by the initial systematic search. 7 out of the 45 studies comprising a total of 332 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled SLN-IR was 93.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.97; 87% to 97%). Five validation studies were included for pooling the false negative rate and included a total of 211 patients. The pooled FNR was 5.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9-9.07). CONCLUSION: Fluorescein-guided SLNB is a viable option for detection of lymph node metastases in clinically node negative patients with early breast cancer. It achieves a high pooled Sentinel Lymph Node Identification Rate (SLN-IR) of 93% with a false negative rate of 5.6% for the detection of axillary lymph node metastasis.

Effect of chewing gum in reducing postoperative ileus after gastroduodenal perforation peritonitis surgery: A prospective randomised controlled trial.

Chewing gum reduces the duration of postoperative ileus and early recovery of bowel function following elective abdominal surgery. However, its role has not been studied in cases of gastroduodenal perforation peritonitis, prompting us to conduct this study. Patients were randomised into two groups, 39 patients received chewing gum (study group) and 43 patients were in the control group. Sensation of hunger, appearance of first bowel sound, and passages of flatus and faeces were significantly early in the study group; their hospital stay was also shorter. Chewing gum reduces the duration of postoperative ileus in cases of gastroduodenal perforation peritonitis.Registration number: IEC/2020-23/3359 dated 13 December 2020, Institutional Ethics Committee, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, India.

Low cost smart phone based laryngoscopy for the assessment of vocal cords in patients undergoing thyroid surgery: A pilot study.

Can a smart phone application be reliably used for laryngoscopy? This thesis was tested for peri-operative evaluation of vocal cords in patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Double blind randomized controlled trial of efficacy of ormeloxifene for the treatment of fibroadenoma (The FIBROCENT study).

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effectiveness of Ormeloxifene (Centchroman) on regression of Fibroadenoma in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients with biopsy proven Fibroadenoma were enrolled between March 2023 and October 2023 and divided in two arms- Ormeloxifene group and Placebo group. Effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated using USG. No residual mass was defined as complete regression and more than 30% decrease in size was considered as partial regression. RESULTS: A total of 130 consecutive patients with Fibroadenoma were randomized to Ormeloxifene group (n = 65) and Placebo Group (n = 65). Complete regression was observed in 9% (6/65) patients in Ormeloxifene group and 10.8% (7/65) in Placebo Group at the end of 12 weeks (p = 0.49). Twenty one patients taking Ormeloxifene reported adverse events as compared to none in the other group. CONCLUSION: In our study Ormeloxifene was not found to be effective in treatment of fibroadenoma and had concerning side effects.

Low-Cost Radio-Opaque Tumor Marking Techniques for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: a Systematic Review.

Current standard of care localization techniques used in breast conserving surgery (BCS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) are expensive and may not be available in LMICs (lower-middle income countries). This review evaluated the efficacy of radio-opaque low-cost tumor markers. A systematic search was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines through November 30, 2022, for all studies using non-commercial radio-opaque tumor markers for patients undergoing BCS post NACT. Rate of unsatisfactory margin on final histology was the primary outcome. Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (OCEBM) levels were used to assess internal validity. After screening, 07 studies were included for data synthesis. For marking, four studies used LIGA clips, two used 5-mm cut pieces of K-wire, and one used cut pieces of 25-G needle. Incidence of unsatisfactory margins (positive/close) ranged from 0 to 11%. All studies found these low-cost markers to be feasible, with 100% pre-surgery visibility and 100% retrieval rate. Low-cost radio-opaque tumor markers (LIGA clips, 5-mm cut pieces of K-wire and 25-G needle) are effective methods of tumor localization especially for LMICs. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13193-023-01845-2.

Hydatid cyst of the infraspinatus muscle.

Muscle hydatidosis is rare accounting only for 3%-5% of cases. Until now, only one case of muscular hydatidosis involving the infraspinatus muscle has been recorded. Hereby, we present a case report of primary hydatidosis of infraspinatus muscle in a 32-year-old woman from Central India who presented with painful soft-tissue swelling. Ultrasonography appearance was consistent with that of hydatid cyst; while serology was negative, pericystectomy was performed, and the diagnosis was confirmed. The patient was followed up for a period of 6 months, and no recurrence was noted. Hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue swellings, particularly in endemic regions.

Patient Perspectives After Surgery-Related Complications Among Breast Cancer Patients from a LMIC.

Long-term quality of life in breast cancer patients has been studied and published regularly. However, the lived experiences of patients who develop complications after surgery are not well understood. Determining this experience of patients is challenging in most low- and middle-income countries where the majority of patients belong to poor strata of society and are uneducated. We aimed to explore the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of patients with surgery-related complications after breast cancer surgery. Purposive sampling was used to identify patients who developed any postoperative complication, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Common patterns of patient experiences were identified and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. Twenty-eight patients out of 210 developing complications postoperatively were identified. The median age was 48 years (range 32-65 years). The majority (n = 26) were housewives, educated below the primary level (n = 11) and below the poverty line (n = 13). Complications included seroma (n = 17), flap necrosis and infection (n = 5), and hematoma (n = 1). Seven domains emerged from the interviews-knowledge of complications, psychological impact, burden, disruptiveness, social impact, relationship with the surgical team, and suggestions to improve the experience. The themes identified in the present study provide insights into the lived experiences and can inform the future development of patient-reported outcome measures and quality improvement programs, including more effective pre-operative counseling and consent. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13193-023-01721-z.

Impact of Topical Epinephrine with Xylocaine on Drainage After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the impact of topical epinephrine with xylocaine on drainage after axillary lymph node dissection. METHODS: Fifty-two women were randomized into two groups, epinephrine with xylocaine drainage (ED) and conventional drainage group (CD). The amount of drainage, duration of drainage catheter, incidence of seroma formation and wound infection were noted. RESULTS: The mean total drainage volume was less in ED group as compared to CD group (195 ml vs. 353 ml; p = .002). Drainage catheter was removed earlier in ED group as compared to CD group (5.07 + / - 0.99 days vs. 6.65 + / - 1.07 days; p = 0.0001). The incidence of seroma and wound infection was similar in two groups. CONCLUSION: Topical epinephrine with xylocaine after axillary lymph node dissection results in significantly decreased drainage volume and duration of drainage.

Indian surgery Trainee's perspective on surgical ergonomics principles and education: A long road ahead.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the baseline knowledge and beliefs, along with the impact of incorporating surgical ergonomics lectures during a residency. METHODS: A cohort of 123 Indian surgical residents participated in this educational intervention, which consisted of two educational webinars on ergonomics. Both pre- and post-intervention surveys were electronically sent to the participants. These included questions related to their demographics, prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms, and factors affecting participant awareness of ergonomic recommendations. RESULTS: Seventy-one residents responded to the pre-webinar survey. Eighty-five percent of respondents reported MSK symptoms, with the most common being pain (70%) and stiffness (40%), which the residents attributed to their surgical training. Forty-six residents completed the post-webinar survey. The majority of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that surgical ergonomic educational sessions improved their understanding of the fundamental causes of MSK symptoms and increased their awareness of options available for prevention MSK injuries. CONCLUSION: The rate of MSK symptoms and/or injury was high among this cohort of surgical residents. These surveys and educational session demonstrated there is limited awareness of the comprehension of ergonomics related to surgical procedures. Our study shows that a simple surgical ergonomic educational intervention can lead to improved understanding of prevention and ergonomic changes.

Total vs less than total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular non-toxic goiter: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We have performed an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing total thyroidectomy (TT) with less than total thyroidectomy (LTT) for benign multinodular non-toxic goiter (BMNG). OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate the effects and outcomes of TT as compared to LTT. METHODS: Eligibility criteria: RCTs comparing TT vs LTT. INFORMATION SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and online registers were searched for articles comparing TT with LTT. Risk of bias: Articles were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane's revised tool to assess risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2 tool). SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS: The main summary measures were risk difference using a random effects model. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Recurrence rate was lower for TT compared to LTT. Adverse events like temporary or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy and permanent hypoparathyroidism were similar in both groups except for the rate of temporary hypoparathyroidism which was lower in the LTT group. DISCUSSION: All studies had unclear risk of bias for blinding of the participants and personnel and high risk of bias for certain selective reporting. This meta-analysis did not show any clear benefit or harm of either procedure (TT vs LTT) for goiter recurrence and re-operation rates (for both recurrence and incidental thyroid cancer). However, re-operation for goiter recurrence was significantly higher in the LTT group based on a single RCT. Evidence suggests increased rates of temporary hypoparathyroidism with TT but there was no difference in the rate of RLN palsy and permanent hypoparathyroidism between the two methods. The overall quality of evidence was low to moderate.

Access, Safety, and Barriers in Adoption of Emergency Laparoscopy Surgery for Trauma Patients in a Low-Resource Setting.

Introduction This study analyzes barriers to the adoption of emergency laparoscopy (EL), safety, and accessibility in a low-resource setting of a low- and middle-income country (LMIC). Methods In this prospective observational study, patients with blunt trauma abdomen (BTA) who required exploration were included and divided into two groups-open exploration (open surgery [OSx]) and laparoscopic exploration (laparoscopic surgery [LSx]). Data were compiled and analyzed. Results Out of 94 BTA patients, 66 required exploration, and the rest were managed conservatively. Out of 66 patients, 42 were in OSx and 24 were in LSx, reason for not selecting LSx was the surgeon's preference for OSx in 26 patients and the lack of availability of operation theater (OT) slots in 16 patients. LSx even after indication was less likely if patients had preoperative evidence of perforation peritonitis. Conclusion Lack of resources (OT availability and trained personnel) are barriers to the adoption of emergency LSx in low-resource settings.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Touch Imprint Cytology and Frozen Section Biopsy and Their Comparison for Evaluation of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of axillary lymph nodes after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer is mostly done by intra-operative frozen section biopsy (FSB) and/ or touch imprint cytology (TIC). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we have compared the accuracy of the two modalities. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched for articles comparing TIC with FSB. Articles were assessed for methodological and reporting quality. The main summary measures were pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, and diagnostic accuracy using bivariate generalized linear mixed models using random effects. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for FSB were 78%, 100%, and 98.57%. For TIC, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 74%, 98%, and 98.37%. For both methods, visual inspection of summary ROC curves and of forest plots did not show significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: TIC showed comparable sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to FSB and hence can be used as its substitute as a rapid and economical test for the detection of axillary lymph node metastasis during SLNB especially in low-resource settings.

Safe and Standard Thyroid Cancer Surgery, or Lack Thereof: Patterns and Correlates of Patient Referral to Tertiary Care Centre for Revision Thyroid Surgery in a LMIC.

Saroj Kanta MishraBackground A surgeon's characteristics such as volume and practice setup are essential elements in outcome of thyroid cancer. However, little information is available from the developing world regarding qualities of primary surgeon, such as level of knowledge, skill, and proper documentation while referring to higher center. Methods Records of 164 patients of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) from January 1990 to December 2018 undergoing revision thyroid surgery following primary surgery elsewhere were retrospectively analyzed. Results Out of 164 patients with postoperative diagnosis of DTC, referral patterns were as follows: low volume (LV) to high volume (HV) ( n = 120, 73.2%), followed by HV to HV ( n = 44, 26.8%). The primary surgery assessed by the extent of residual disease was in agreement with the documentation in only 55%. The type of thyroidectomy performed was not mentioned in 9.8%. The status of the parathyroid glands was mentioned only in 15.8% and recurrent laryngeal nerve in 12.2%. Less than recommended surgery was performed in 52.5% patients. Despite less than recommended surgery, 44.5% patients were directly referred for radioactive iodine ablation (RAIA). Thirty two percent patients were referred for RAIA after hemithyroidectomy. Central or lateral compartment lymphadenectomy, even after indication, was less likely at LV centers (risk ratio [RR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.77). Similarly, for DTC patients, the relationship between LV center surgery and subsequent referral for RAIA was RR, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.48-1.02). Conclusions Most patients referred from LV surgeons are less likely to have proper thyroidectomy, have inadequate documentation of the primary surgery, and are referred for RAIA after less than total thyroidectomy. Our study highlights the lacunae in the approach to and understanding of thyroid cancer surgery by secondary care physicians in our country. We believe that there is an urgent necessity of educational reform and training to rectify this problem.

Molecular Profile and Clinico-pathological Characteristics of Breast Cancer in Central India: First Investigative Report.

Stage at presentation and molecular profile are the two most important factors affecting breast cancer prognosis. This is the first study on molecular breast cancer subtypes from Central India. We prospectively reviewed 260 consecutive breast cancer patients diagnosed at the Department of Surgery, Government NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur (MP), between January 2017 and December 2020. Clinico-pathological and molecular profiles and their associations with the characteristics of the tumor were analyzed. The median age at diagnosis was 44.7 years (range 21-93). Eleven percent (n = 11) were in clinical stage I, 12.7% (n = 12) were in stage II, 56% (n = 146) in stage III, and 20% (n = 52) were in stage IV. Metastatic lymph node positivity rate was 85% at the time of diagnosis. Luminal subtype was present in 50% (n = 131), Her 2 neu-enriched type in 21.5% (n = 55), and triple-negative subtype in 28.5% (n = 74). A stronger association was observed for each increasing clinical stage for Her 2 neu-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but not luminal-type tumors. For grade of tumors, patients with luminal subtype had a higher percentage of lower grades (p = .001); however, Her 2-enriched and TNBC had higher proportion of grade III tumors (for Her 2-enriched p = .04, TNBC p = .001). In Central India, like other regions of India, breast cancer occurs at an earlier age and is diagnosed at a more advanced stage. In this region, pre-menopausal breast cancer is more common than post-menopausal and TNBC tumors have similar incidence in pre-menopausal and postmenopausal women.

Medial Approach for Identification of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Locally Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Revisited.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is a well-recognized and potentially catastrophic complication of thyroidectomy. In literature, four approaches have been described for identification of RLN, the superior, lateral, medial, and inferior approaches. But medial approach is lesser known amongst surgeons. Locally infiltrative thyroid cancer with extensive lymph nodal metastasis in central and lateral compartment sometimes makes it difficult to identify RLN by any of these standard approaches described above. A medial approach was described where RLN is identified as it extends up to interdigitate with the trunk or the branches of the inferior thyroid artery. We present here a new alternative technique for identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve through modified medial approach that was used in difficult thyroidectomies.

Validation sentinel lymph node biopsy study in cN0 axilla using low-cost dual dye technique: potential solution for resource poor settings.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using radio-pharmaceutical and a blue dye is gold standard for axillary staging in clinically node-negative breast cancer. High costs and limited availability of radio-pharmaceutical and/or gamma probe are major deterrents in performing SLNB in developing countries. In this study, we evaluated feasibility of SLN identification (SLN-IR) of fluorescein-guided (FG) SLNB in combination with methylene blue dye (MBD). METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional non-randomized validation study in patients with clinically node-negative axilla. Patients underwent validation SLNB using fluorescein (and blue LED light) and MBD. Axillary dissection was performed irrespective of SLNB histology. SLIN-IR and False Negative Rate (FNR) were assessed for both groups. RESULTS: The SLNs were identified in 29 (96.6%) pre-chemotherapy patients and 23 (82%) post Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT) patients. The median number of sentinel lymph nodes identified was 3 (range of 1-5) in pre-chemotherapy patients and 1 (range of 1-3) in post NACT patients. The SLN-IR using MBD was 90%, FD was 86.7% and combined MBD FD was 96.7% in pre-chemotherapy patients. The SLN-IR using MBD was 82%, FD was 71% and combined MBD FD was 82% in in post NACT patients. The false negative rate (FNR) in pre-chemotherapy group was 8.0% (MBD), 8.3% (FD) and 7.4% (MBD + FD). The FNR in post NACT group was 8.7% (MBD), 10% (FD) and 8.7% (MBD + FD). CONCLUSION: This prospective validation study showed adequate SLN-IR and FNR using low-cost dual dyes in early breast cancer patients and can be used in low resource settings. However, SLNB in post NACT axilla though viable along with a satisfactory FNR, is associated with low identification rate and needs further evaluation.

A 10-Year Study of the Outcome of Wilms' Tumor in Central India and Identifying Practice Gaps.

Introduction: Despite remarkable improvement in Wilms' tumor (WT) survival in Western world, sub-optimal outcome in resource-constrained settings is influenced by late presentation, larger size, and poor access to treatment. This prompted us to study the outcome at a tertiary care center and to identify the global and local practice gaps. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, observational study of WT was conducted from October 2009 to September 2019 at a tertiary care setting. Following the National Wilms' Tumor Study Group protocol, an upfront nephrectomy (unilateral resectable tumors) and preoperative chemotherapy (large/unresectable Stage I-III) were followed. The records were reviewed for demographics, stage, preoperative chemotherapy, predictive factors, and outcome. Survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method, and analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 16. Results: One hundred and fifty-six children were included, median age was 4.1 years, with a male predominance. The most common stages of the presentation were II (40.4%) and III (34.6%). An upfront surgery was done in 27.6%, while remaining received preoperative chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 22 months, and the events included relapse in 46 (29.48%) and death in 54 (34.61%). The mean survival time was 45.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 41.08-50.30). The 2-year overall survival was 65.38% (95% CI, 59-73), and the 2-year event-free survival was 36% (95% CI, 32-41). On comparison of the impact of preoperative chemotherapy, the survival estimates in Stages I-III and relapse rate were statistically similar, tumor size reduced significantly, and tumor spill was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Conclusion: WT is associated with late presentation, sub-optimal survival, and higher relapse in our setting associated with practice gaps related to the management including practice violations.

Low-Cost Vacuum Assisted Core Needle Biopsy Technique for Breast Lumps.

BACKGROUND: Core biopsy has replaced fine needle aspiration cytology in the assessment of breast lumps to diagnose malignancy and is now standard of care in developed countries. Unfortunately, cost of core biopsy system is a major limitation in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This prompted us to devise and appraise a low-cost technique of core biopsy using negative pressure. METHODS: We devised and prospectively evaluated a simple model of core biopsy (vacuum assisted core needle biopsy-VACNB) using a 50 ml syringe, a 10 ml syringe and a 14G needle. RESULTS: 57 consecutive women (median age 42.66 years) with breast lumps (median diameter 5.2 cm) underwent VACNB. The sensitivity for diagnosing malignancy was 92%, specificity was 100%, and diagnostic accuracy was 92.98%. The positive predictive value of this technique was 100%, and negative predictive value was 63.64%. The cost (~ 5.5 USD) of the system was significantly less than the cost of core biopsy needle (~ 41.00 USD) and vacuum assisted breast biopsy needle (~ 341.00 USD) in India. CONCLUSION: Frugal innovations are needed to overcome cost constraints in LMICs. Our low-cost VACNB technique is easy to use and accurate.