Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
You have been referred for a guidewire insertion in the breast. This is performed under mammographic or ultrasound guidance. A thin wire is placed with the tip at the site of a breast lesion prior to a surgical procedure. This allows the surgeon to locate a breast lesion when they are small or difficult to feel. This will be performed usually on the day or within 24hours of the surgery.
Before your appointment
If you would like another member of staff to be present, to act as a chaperone, during your examination then please let us know when booking in at the reception desk. If you do not request a chaperone, then we will assume that we have your consent to perform the examination without one.
There is no special preparation needed, please follow the guidance you have been provided, prior to your surgery.
Special Needs
Please let us know if:
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off a couch.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
On arrival in the department, you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you.
All patient (ages 12-55) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant, regardless of gender.
What to wear
It is helpful to wear a separate top, and skirt or trousers.
Giving my consent (permission)
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The Radiologist/Advanced Practitioner will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the procedure or are undecided, please tell the Radiologist.
It is your decision, and you can change your mind at any time.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed by a Consultant Radiologist or an Advanced Practitioner
(Mammographer), under mammographic or ultrasound guidance.
The area is cleaned before an injection of local anaesthetic is given to numb the area. A small nick is made in the skin and a needle with the wire is inserted. When in place the wire will be pushed out of the needle and small barbs will hold it in place in the correct position. The needle is then removed. A Mammogram may then be taken to check the position of the wire before it is covered by a dressing.
After the Procedure
You will be given instructions of where to go and when for the surgical procedure. If your surgery is the day after your procedure, please keep the dressing dry to reduce the risk of infection. You will be free to resume your daily activities but avoid heavy lifting or exercise until your surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Risks
- Discomfort: You will be given local anaesthetic during the procedure, which should last until your surgery. If for any reason there is a delay in your procedure, or your surgery is the day after your procedure, over-the-counter painkillers such as Paracetamol can be taken for mild pain relief.
- Bleeding: Occasionally the site can start bleeding again after you have left the hospital. If this happens, apply firm pressure over the area for 20 minutes. If the bleeding has not stopped after 20 minutes, please contact us.
- Radiation: If your procedure is performed under Mammographic guidance, then this uses ionising X-ray radiation. Everyone receives ionising radiation every day from radioactivity in the air, food we eat and the sun. Your age, size and the body part being scanned will influence the amount of medical radiation used and theoretical risks of additional exposure. The benefit of the scan is making the correct diagnosis or treatment plan and a Radiology specialist has agreed that this benefit outweighs the risks of radiation exposure. The radiographers are trained to obtain the best possible imaging using the lowest amount of radiation possible and the equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is safe and effective
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-MAMM.2
Approval date:
26 July 2024
Review date:
26 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.