Wednesday, November 27, 2002

Southern Regional utilizes latest technology to detect breast cancer

New devices ensure speedier results and more accurate diagnosis

Southern Regional Health System is now using two new, minimally invasive devices for early detection of breast cancer. The Advanced Breast Biopsy Instrumentation and the Mammotome Breast Biopsy System are helping physicians in the accurate diagnosis of early stage cancer while minimizing patient wait time for results.

"These new procedures use a minimal incision as opposed to the traditional open surgical biopsy, which requires a large skin incision," said Elizabeth Hadley, MD, a radiologist with Southern Regional Health System.

The ABBI system combines needle localization with removal of a specimen. The specimen is targeted within one millimeter of accuracy and, depending on the case, can gently remove the specimen through a 5-20 millimeter incision. This enables the physician to perform the biopsy, without the need for operating room. Dr. Stephen Auda, a breast surgeon with Southern Regional Medical Center, explains, "This procedure provides patients with a quicker return to normal activity."

SRMC is one of the few facilities in south metro Atlanta to have the Mammotome Breast Biopsy System. This vacuum-assisted system is the latest, most technologically advanced stereotactic breast biopsy device. "We use a single incision with the same circumference of a pencil to locate abnormal tissue ... This way, we are able to minimize the removal of healthy surrounding tissue," said Dr. Hadley.

The vacuum device is utilized with a special stereotactic imaging table outfitted with x-ray equipment, which takes pictures from two angles. Once the abnormal tissue is located, local anesthetic is administered, and a thin, rotating probe is inserted into the breast. The vacuum device then gently collects the tissue.

"An accurate diagnosis is key to breast management for these patients and both the ABBI system and the Mammotone offer this," said Dr. Auda. "Both of these instruments help us offer our female patients in the Southern Crescent the highest quality health care possible."

Dr. Auda's practice, The Fayetteville Surgical Clinic and Breast Center, has pioneered office-based stereotactic breast biopsies since 1994.

Southern Regional offers patients a short wait time for these procedures. Appointments can be made quickly and the registration process is streamlined for the patient's convenience. Contact your physician for a referral to women's diagnostic services. For a free physician referral, contact PROMINA* HealthCall at 770-541-1111.

Southern Regional Health System provides comprehensive health resources including: Southern Regional Medical Center, a 406-bed, full-service hospital in Riverdale, featuring a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center; The Women's Life Center; The Diabetes Resource Center; and one of the busiest emergency departments in the state; RiverWoods Psychiatric Center; Southern Regional Homecare; and the Surgery Center at Mt. Zion, a multi-specialty surgery center in Morrow.