ABS ePoster Library

P085
Topic: Margins

Introduction: Breast conserving surgery is advocated where possible. However, the risk of further surgery to excise margins that are either too close or involved, is always present. Rates of re-excision vary from unit to unit, and are often multifactorial. The use of definitive ways to orientate the specimen, such as the use of Klinitrays, has been advocated as a method of reducing the re-excision rates. Methods :All breast conserving surgery between the period of November 2017 to November 2018 from one district general hospital were analysed. Data on procedure, re-excision and the use of the Klinitray were collected. The re-excision rate was calculated and compared to previous rates from April 2015 to April 2016, when Klinitrays were not in use. Results:A total of 278 breast conserving procedures were performed by five surgeons over a 12 month period. 21 procedures were excluded as the specimens were not orientated on a Klinitray. There were 61 re-excisions needed after the initial procedures (re-excision rate of 23.7%). This compares to a re-excision rate of 21.8% in 2015-2016. Conclusions: Earlier reports analysing the use of the Klinitray had shown some promising results with respect to the reduction of re-excision rates. However, our figures show that in this unit the use of the Klinitray slightly increased the re-excision rates. Therefore, more studies are needed to corroborate this in order to assess the cost effectiveness of investing in this piece of equipment, as its use is at least ten times the cost of conventional suture methods.