Wire guided localisation procedure

Patient information factsheet

Why do I need this procedure?

• Before your operation, the breast Surgeon needs help finding the exact area that needs to be removed.
• A thin wire is placed in the breast to mark the area. The Surgeon uses this wire as a guide during the operation to help them find the right place quickly and accurately.

Preparation on the day

• Please do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or moisturiser on the breast or under arm area.
• Please do not drive yourself to/from the appointment.
• Please call Breast Imaging on 020 7288 5888 (Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm) before your appointment if:
  • you take medicine for your heart
  • tablets that thin your blood or
  • if you are allergic to any medicines.

What happens during this procedure?

• This procedure takes place on the day of, or the day before, your surgery depending on the time of your operation.
• A fine wire is inserted into the breast abnormality using X-ray or ultrasound guidance.
• The Radiologist will decide which is the best approach for you.

How will this procedure be done?

Using ultrasound

• You will be asked to lie down on the ultrasound couch.
• Your breast will be numbed using local anaesthetic.
• A small needle with a thin wire inside will be placed into the area using an ultrasound scan to guide it.
• When the wire is in the correct place, the needle will be removed. The wire will stay in place and cannot move.

Using X-ray guidance

• Your breast will be positioned in the mammogram machine.
• Your breast will be numbed using local anaesthetic.
• A small needle with a fine wire inside will be placed into the area using an X-ray picture to guide it.
• Several pictures may be taken to get the best position.
• When the wire is in the correct place, the needle will be removed. The wire will stay in place and cannot move.
• The wire will be removed during the surgery along with the abnormal tissue.

What happens after the procedure?

• A mammogram (breast X-ray) will be taken to check that the wire is in the correct place for the surgeon.
• A dressing will be put over the area. Please do not remove it.
• If you are going home, you should sleep in a soft bra.

Are there any side effects?

• The most common side effect is some discomfort or stinging when the anaesthetic (numbing medicine) is injected into the breast.
• This normally only lasts for a few seconds.
• Some women may feel uncomfortable while they are being positioned in the mammogram machine for the X-ray.
• A few patients say they feel some discomfort once the wire is in the breast, but this does not happen often.

Contact our service

Tel.: 020 7288 5888, Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Email: whh-tr.ImagingAppointments-WhittHealth@nhs.net