Implementation of BIRADSTM together with an organization of percutaneous breast biopsies: experiences, reactions

Purpose: To record the acceptance and reactions of radiologist und physicians who recommend patients for mammography after simultaneous establishment of BIRADSTM and a registration of the results of percutaneous breast biopsies. Materials and methods: To improve clarity of mammographic reports and to provide guidance concerning any necessary percutaneous breast biopsies the Breast Imaging Data And Reporting System (BIRADSTM) has been introduced regionally together with a registration of percutaneous breast biopsies. Using a questionnaire, 25 radiologists and 230 referring physicians were asked on acceptance and reactions concerning the established system. Results: Of the 15 answering radiologists, 93% considered BIRADSTM a worthwhile effort and 87% found the biopsy guidelines to be useful. They regarded the acceptance of the referring physicians and patients as high (80%). Up to 69% of the 52 participating physicians stated a better understanding of the mammographic reports, an easier comprehension of the dignity classification of a mammographic lesion and the feeling of an improvement in their work. Preoperative assessment of histology was found to be valuable by 94% of the referring physicians. They believe that more than half of the patients benefit from the biopsy guidelines and that the majority of patients accept this approach. Conclusion: BIRADSTM is useful to standardize and improve mammographic reports. It is advantageous to link BIRADSTM with guidelines for percutaneous breast biopsies. (orig.)