Effect of three-dimensional intraoperative imaging on surgical outcomes with breast conservation therapy

Background: Breast conservation therapy (BCT) is frequently performed for breast cancer and associated with a significant risk for positive margins. Intraoperative three-dimensional (3-D) tomosynthesis potentially could limit the risk of positive margins.

Methods: Retrospective review of an institutional breast cancer registry. Evaluated BCT cases for a two year time period prior to and after the introduction of intraoperative 3-D tomosynthesis. Primary outcome was the effect of 3-D tomosynthesis on margin positivity rates. Secondary measures were the impact of 3-D tomosynthesis on additional margin procurements at the index surgery and operative time.

Results: A total of 228 cases were evaluated with 106 cases utilizing 3-D tomosynthesis and 122 cases with standard imaging. No significant difference in margin positivity rates between the cohorts at 23.9% versus 15.8% for 3-D tomosynthesis and standard imaging respectively (OR 1.53, CI 0.772-3.032, P = 0.221). 3-D tomosynthesis was associated with increased margin procurement rates (OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.303-4.190, P = 0.004) and longer operative times (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Intraoperative 3-D tomosynthesis was not found to limit margin positivity rates or improve the performance of the procedure.