What is Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB)?
(VABB) is the latest innovative breast tissue sampling technique. VABB is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon can take samples of breast tissue (both benign and malignant) with a needle and a very small scar.
What are the indications for a vacuum assisted breast biopsy (VABB)?
VABB is indicated for patients who show symptoms of breast abnormalities or if the doctor feels the need to carry out an examination based on the risk factors for the disease and the medical condition of the patient concerned.
VABB is a solution for diagnostics and therapeutics in breast treatment, such as:
- Various kinds of non-cancerous and cancerous lumps in the breast
- Recurrent fibroadenomas
- Spots on the breast that cause pain
How to get rid of breast lumps without scars through VABB?
Removal of breast lumps using a needle with the help of a vacuum using the latest medical equipment.
At VABB removal of lumps done under anesthesia to relieve pain can be done by three methods:
- With the help of a mammogram
- With the help of ultrasound
- With the help of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
What are the advantages of scarless breast surgery with VABB?
VABB is a technique that has many advantages compared to open surgical biopsy. Some of the common benefits of this procedure include:
- No incisions, just using a needle
- No stitches required
- Fast recovery
- Minimal pain and discomfort
- Does not leave scars
- Speeds up time to detection and diagnosis
- Higher level of precision
- Completely remove non-cancerous lumps
- Reduce sampling error
- Reduces the chance of repeat biopsies
- Adequate sample collection in one insertion
- Location of breast tissue is easier in women with dense breasts
What are the complications of VABB?
VABB is a very safe method. However, like any surgical procedure, this VABB also comes with certain possible risks and complications.
Common side effects include:
- Bruising and breast tenderness
- Bleeding
- Pain during the procedure
- Slight risk of hematoma
What to do after the VABB procedure?
After completing the VABB procedure, the doctor will monitor the patient's condition for a certain time. Your doctor will give you special instructions on how to care for your breasts after the VABB procedure.
- The patient should get plenty of rest after the procedure
- Patients are expected not to lift heavy weights
- The patient may have bruising or tenderness that will go away in a few days
- The doctor will prescribe medication for the pain that occurs
Article written by Dr. dr. Denni Joko Purwanto, Sp.B (K) Onk, MM (Surgery Specialist Consultant Oncologist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).