Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Why do I need this procedure?
Your recent biopsy has identified an abnormality in your breast which requires further needle sampling to provide more tissue for analysis. This can be performed using an imaging guided vacuum-assisted excision biopsy technique. This procedure is performed at the Parapet Breast services outpatient clinic as a day case procedure under local anaesthetic and you will be able to go home shortly afterwards.
If any of the following apply, please let us know before your appointment:
1. You are taking medication to thin your blood such as aspirin or anti-coagulants, e.g., Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban or clopidogrel.
2. Any known allergies, such as local anaesthetic or dressings.
On the day of the appointment
You can eat and drink as normal.
Before the procedure begins you will be asked to undress from the waist upwards. To make this easier, we recommend that you wear separates, such as a top and a skirt or trousers. After the procedure, we suggest you wear a supportive, non-wired bra, such as a sports bra.
How will the procedure be done?
The procedure will be performed using either an ultrasound scan or mammogram to identify the area of concern in your breast.
Before the procedure is done, the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area of the breast. This might sting for a few seconds until it takes effect. When the area is numb, the biopsy needle is inserted through a small cut (less than 5 mm) in the skin. Breast tissue will then be removed using gentle suction. As this happens, you may hear a sucking sound and feel a little pressure. Most patients report that the procedure is a little uncomfortable but is not painful.
Once sufficient breast tissue has been obtained, the needle will be removed and firm pressure will be applied to the area for 10 minutes to reduce any bruising. The site will then be checked to make sure any bleeding has stopped and a dressing will be applied - this must be kept dry and remain in place for 48 hours.
We will ask you to stay in the department for at least 30 minutes following the procedure for observation.
Marking the site of the biopsy
It is often necessary to mark the site of the biopsy with a clip in case you need further tests or surgery. A tiny titanium metal clip is inserted through the biopsy needle at the end of the procedure. The clip will remain in your breast if the biopsy results are normal. This should not cause you any problems and is compatible with MRI scans if required in the future and also will not set off metal detector alarms. The Clinician will explain about using a breast marker clip before the procedure begins.
Are there any side-effects?
The most common side-effect of the procedure is some bleeding and bruising around the area. We try to reduce this by applying firm hand pressure after the biopsy before a sterile dressing is applied. More severe side-effects such as infection are extremely rare.
How long will the procedure take?
The whole appointment will take between 30 and 60 minutes but we recommend that you allow up to three hours in case of unavoidable delays.
Will there be any scarring?
With this procedure scarring to the breast is minimal.
Will I be able to resume normal activities straight away?
Most women can return to their normal routine straight after the procedure. However, we recommend that you avoid lifting and strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours.
Aftercare and Results
After the procedure you may experience some bruising in the breast. We usually advise to take simple painkillers such as paracetamol. Try to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen type medicines as these can worsen the bruising. A firm bra overnight may help. Cold compression to the area can also be helpful.
An appointment for your biopsy results will be arranged by our administrative team.
Who do I contact for more help or information?
It is important that you have all of the information you need before the procedure is performed. We will be happy to answer any questions you have when you attend your appointment.
However, if you have any concerns about the procedure before then, please contact our breast nurse specialist team on 0300 6146 281 / 0300 614 6292. They are available from Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm. If the nurses are unable to take your call, please leave your contact details and a brief message and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
Some of the information in this leaflet has been extracted from NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) website (www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cancer care service.
About this information
Service:
Cancer care
Reference:
Q/007
Approval date:
1 May 2025
Review date:
1 May 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.