Official Website of PENN Radiology

Patient Services

Patient Prep & Instruction Manual

Updated May 2006

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Scheduled Test: BREAST NEEDLE LOCALIZATION

When:_____________

Date:_____________

Time:_____________

Where:	After checking in at same day surgery admissions: You will report to Outpatient Radiology Reception (first floor Silverstein building). Look for signs to Outpatient Radiology Reception area where you are to check in.
Purpose:	To guide the surgeon to the suspicious area seen on your mammogram.
Preparation:	APU (Ambulatory Procedure Unit) will call you at home between 3:00 and 7:00P.M. the day before your scheduled appointment. If no one contacts you, please call 215-662-3528. You are asked to eat nothing after 8:00 PM and drink only liquids until midnight the day prior to your procedure. After midnight you are asked not to eat or drink anything, including chewing gum, mints or cough drops. Smoking is also prohibited. Medications should not be taken the day of the procedure. With the exception of any cardiac medications unless directed differently by someone in pre admissions or doctors office. Allergies to lidocaine (numbing medication) should be discussed with the radiologist prior to the procedure so that an alternative medication may be used. Any other drug allergies should be discussed with your doctor’s office.
Procedure:	The procedure can take between 40-60 minutes depending on the complexity of the area seen on your mammogram. Since you will be leaving our department to go to the APU we will be having you change out of your clothes into a hospital gown. All of your belongings will be placed in a hospital bag, which you will keep with you at all times. In order to guide the surgeon to the suspicious area in your breast, the radiologist will insert a thin needle into your breast, and check its position with mammogram films. The needle contains a tiny wire, which will be left in place as a guide for your surgeon.
After Care:	After the procedure, you will be transported by wheelchair to the APU Department. A nurse in the APU will provide discharge instructions the surgical procedure. These will vary according to doctor and patient. If you have any questions regarding the needle localization procedure done in mammography, please call a nurse coordinator at 349-5469.

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Last Updated:12/20/06 ALK