The revolution in breast biopsy: where is the surgeon?

Technology is now available to significantly alter the means by which breast biopsies are performed. Percutaneous image guided breast biopsies (PIGBB) are minimally invasive, accurate, and cost effective. Clinical integration of this new technology has been difficult because the procedure involves both radiology and surgical skills. Neither the majority of general surgeons nor the majority of radiologists have embraced the procedure. The technology has been available in this country for several years, but a comfortable clinical integration has not been accomplished. The surgeon, with an enhancement of existing breast imaging skills, should be able to stay involved in breast biopsy diagnosis and accommodate the new biopsy technique.