Intraductal placement of a Kopans spring-hookwire guide to localize nonpalpable breast lesions detected by galactography

Purpose: To evaluate a new procedure for locating intraductal breast lesions detected by galactography, using the technique of intraductal placement of a Kopans spring-hookwire guide. Material and Methods: A catheter (0.7 mm) with a Kopans hookwire guide inside it was placed in 34 patients in whom and intraductal growth had been detected by galactography. The catheter was introduced through the discharging duct, with one hand holding the catheter and the other hand gently pushing the Kopans guide until it was anchored in the duct. The correct position of the guide was confirmed with new galactograms. Results: A precise excision of the lesion was satisfactorily executed in 29 of 34 patients (85%) who underwent this procedure. In 5 patients the method was unsuccessful because the Kopans guide was dislodged. Conclusion: This method is effective in removing intraductal lesions because it ensures a precise ductal excision and enables the pathologist to find the lesion more easily. (orig.)