Breast lump remval by Vacuum-assisted excision: VAE

Breast lump remval by Vacuum-assisted excision: VAE

Article by Assoc. Prof. Younush Kongdan

Medical technology continues to advance, leading to more effective treatments and minimizing impacts on patients. Vacuum-Assisted Excision (VAE) is one of the key innovations in the treatment of benign breast tumors, particularly Fibroadenoma, offering advantages in reducing trauma compared to traditional surgery. This article will discuss the VAE technique, its benefits, limitations, and application at Namarak Hospital.

Effectiveness and Safety

A meta-analysis has demonstrated that VAE is highly effective in treating benign tumors, with a tumor removal success rate of 93% and a recurrence rate of only 3.9%. Complication rates are comparable to open surgery (3.4%-6.6%), with common issues including minor bleeding or hematoma (6%-9%) and mild pain or bruising (7%-8%). Severe complications are extremely rare, with one study reporting only two cases.

VAE Surgical Procedure

The VAE technique involves extracting tissue through a vacuum-assisted system, controlled via computer. The procedure uses a large needle (sizes 7-10) under local anesthesia, reducing blood loss and enhancing patient comfort.

Steps in the Procedure:

1. The physician identifies the tumor location using ultrasound.

2. A small incision of 3-5 millimeters is made.

3. The vacuum-assisted needle is inserted into the tumor.

4. Tissue is extracted and collected for pathological examination.

Indications for VAE

VAE is indicated for the following cases:

1. Benign tumors measuring 1.5-2 cm in size.

2. Fibroadenoma tumors.

3. Certain high-risk lesions.

4. Small gynecomastia in males.

Ideal Candidates for VAE

• Patients seeking a non-invasive alternative to open surgery.

• Cases requiring simultaneous diagnosis and treatment.

• Lesions difficult to monitor through medical imaging.

Limitations

The efficacy of VAE decreases with larger tumor sizes and depends on the physician’s experience. At Namarak Hospital, tumors measuring up to 3-4 cm have been successfully removed entirely.

Advantages of VAE Compared to Open Surgery

Treatment Benefits

• No need for general anesthesia.

• No hospital admission required.

• Short procedure time (10-60 minutes).

• Quick recovery.

Aesthetic and Satisfaction Benefits

• Smaller, more aesthetically pleasing scars.

• High patient satisfaction levels.

Cost Benefits

• Lower treatment costs compared to open surgery.

• Saves hospital admission-related expenses.

Services at Namarak Hospital

Namarak Hospital offers state-of-the-art VAE procedures for the treatment of Fibroadenoma. This minimally invasive technique reduces the risks associated with major surgery while providing effective results, ideal for patients seeking small scars, quick recovery, and enhanced aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusion

The VAE technique is a safe and effective alternative for treating benign breast tumors, particularly small Fibroadenomas. Its outcomes are comparable to open surgery but offer significant advantages, including reduced pain, smaller scars, and lower costs. However, selecting suitable patients is critical for achieving optimal results.