Wire Localisation Excision: There are increasing number of breast abnormalities that cannot be felt and are only found on scans or mammograms. In order to perform surgery, the abnormal area needs to be pinpointed by a special wire and this procedure is called localisation. Wire localisation is performed in the x-ray department either at Ashford or St. Peter’s Hospital site and is usually done on the morning of the operation by the radiologist.
Leaflet Details
| Title | Wire Localisation Excision |
| Department | Breast Clinic |
| Author(s) | Regina Santos / Manish Kothari |
| Review Date | June 2021 |
| Next Review | June 2023 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What is Wire Localisation Excision?
There are increasing number of breast abnormalities that cannot be felt and are only found on scans or mammograms. In order to perform surgery, the abnormal area needs to be pinpointed by a special wire and this procedure is called localisation.
Wire localisation is performed in the x-ray department either at Ashford or St. Peter’s Hospital site and is usually done on the morning of the operation by the radiologist.
How is it done?
- After arriving in the ward for your admission, you will be taken to the x-ray department at a specified time before your operation.
- A local anaesthetic is injected into the breast to numb the area. The wire is inserted with the aid of mammography or ultrasound scan. You will be informed beforehand as to what form of imaging the radiologist will be using to insert the wire. Mammogram localisation is a longer procedure.
- Once the wire is in, a dressing is applied over the area and you will be taken back to the ward and wait to go into theatre.
- In the theatre, under general anaesthetic, the surgeon then performs the operation for the abnormal area using the wire as a guide. The wire is also removed along with the abnormal tissue.
- To ensure that the correct area of breast has been removed, the breast tissue is x-rayed again while you are still asleep.
- The breast tissue that has been removed is sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
Benefits
- To facilitate surgery for non-palpable breast abnormality.
- To locate and pinpoint the abnormal area to be removed.
Side Effects
The side effects of this procedure are minimal; you may experience any of the following:
- Injection of local anaesthetic into the breast may give slight discomfort.
- Bruising and swelling after surgery is common and is a normal part of the healing process. It is expected to gradually disappear. Wearing a supportive bra day and night is proven to be helpful.
- Pain and discomfort which varies from person to person can usually be treated successfully with simple painkillers.
- Haematoma or blood collection within the tissues surrounding the wound can occasionally happen but the blood will eventually be re-absorbed by the body a few weeks after surgery.
- Wound infection can develop any time after surgery or at any time until the wound is healed.
Any of the following symptoms could indicate wound infection:
- The wound feels tender, swollen or warm to touch.
- Redness in the area.
- Discharge from the wound.
- Feeling generally unwell with a raised temperature.
You may need a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Do not hesitate to contact your breast care nurse if you are concerned you have an infection.
Contact Numbers
After discharge, should you have any concerns or queries, please contact the Breast Care Nurses during office hours.
Telephone numbers of Breast Care Nurses are:
- At Ashford Hospital direct 01784 884411
- Via switchboard 01932 872000 bleep 5129
Details regarding our hospitals, including information regarding the department caring for you can be found by logging on to our website: www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk or the National NHS website: www.nhs.uk which includes an A to Z guide to health.
