Outcomes of Traditional Excisional Management of Breast Cysts with Ultrasonographical Guidance

Abstract

Background: Surgery for breast cysts may be necessary for symptom relief or to rule out malignancy. Compared to palpation alone, ultrasound guidance provides better accuracy and outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of conventional excisional therapy of breast cysts under ultrasonographic supervision. Ultrasound-guided excision allows precise localization of the lesion, potentially leading to better results than palpation-guided methods. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted from January 2023 to May 2024 on 40 patients undergoing excisional management of benign breast cysts. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n=20) underwent ultrasound-guided excision, while Group B (n=20) had palpation-guided excision. Outcomes measured included recurrence rates, cosmetic satisfaction, and post-operative complications. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28.0, employing independent t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical data. p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The recurrence rate was 5% in the ultrasound-guided group, compared to 20% in the palpation-guided group (p = 0.03). Cosmetic satisfaction was significantly higher in the ultrasound-guided group, with 85% reporting good to excellent outcomes, compared to 55% in the palpation group (p = 0.02). Post-operative complications, including hematoma and infection, were lower in the ultrasound-guided group. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided excision of breast cysts is less invasive, with increased accuracy, lower recurrence, and improved cosmetic outcomes compared to palpation-guided excision. It should be considered the first-line treatment for benign breast cyst excision.