Dennis R Holmes1, Melvin J Silverstein. 1. Division of Tumor and Endocrine Surgery, Kenneth Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. dholmes@usc.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The ability to perform breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast procedures are increasingly important skills for breast surgeons. Breast fellowship programs must develop programs to ensure adequate ultrasound training for breast fellows. METHODS: A Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy Clinic was established at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center to provide breast fellows with comprehensive, hands-on, "live-patient" breast ultrasound training. RESULTS: From December 2004 though February 2005, 5 breast fellows received training in the Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy Clinic. Each fellow received a minimum of 18 weeks of "live-patient" experience. Although the learning curve varied among the fellows, all showed proficiency in performing breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided core biopsies by the 12th week. A total of 39 patients with fibroadenomas underwent 62 ultrasound-guided procedures, including 30 vacuum-assisted percutaneous excisions, 16 cryoablations, and 16 core biopsies. CONCLUSION: The Minimally Invasive Breast Clinic model provided breast fellows with sufficient "live-patient" experience to enable confident performance of breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast procedures. The selection of patients with fibroadenomas facilitated safe and efficient training without interfering with the management of cancer patients.
BACKGROUND: The ability to perform breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast procedures are increasingly important skills for breast surgeons. Breast fellowship programs must develop programs to ensure adequate ultrasound training for breast fellows. METHODS: A Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy Clinic was established at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center to provide breast fellows with comprehensive, hands-on, "live-patient" breast ultrasound training. RESULTS: From December 2004 though February 2005, 5 breast fellows received training in the Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy Clinic. Each fellow received a minimum of 18 weeks of "live-patient" experience. Although the learning curve varied among the fellows, all showed proficiency in performing breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided core biopsies by the 12th week. A total of 39 patients with fibroadenomas underwent 62 ultrasound-guided procedures, including 30 vacuum-assisted percutaneous excisions, 16 cryoablations, and 16 core biopsies. CONCLUSION: The Minimally Invasive Breast Clinic model provided breast fellows with sufficient "live-patient" experience to enable confident performance of breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast procedures. The selection of patients with fibroadenomas facilitated safe and efficient training without interfering with the management of cancerpatients.
Authors: Juan Pablo Salazar; Ignacio Miranda; Juan de Torres; María N Rus; Martin Espinosa-Bravo; Antonio Esgueva; Rafael Salvador; Isabel T Rubio Journal: Br J Radiol Date: 2018-11-29 Impact factor: 3.039