Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Introduction
You have been referred for a biopsy of the breast under ultrasound guidance. This information tells you about the procedure, what is involved, and what the possible risks are.
Before your appointment
Please let us know if you are taking any medication to thin your blood such as aspirin or anti-coagulants, (e.g., Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban or clopidogrel) or, if you are have any clotting problems.
If you have any known allergies, such as local anaesthetic or dressings.
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 and you can eat and drink as usual.
Please also 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.
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
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.
What to wear
It is helpful to wear a separate top, and skirt or trousers. After the procedure, we recommend you wear a non-wired supportive bra
Giving my consent (permission)
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The Radiologist 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.
If the Radiologist feels that your condition has changed or that your symptoms do not indicate such a procedure is necessary, then they will explain this to you and they will communicate with the referring doctor who will review your situation as soon as possible.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed by a Consultant Radiologist or an Advanced Practitioner
(Mammographer), under ultrasound guidance. There will be either a Mammographer or Radiology Assistant in the room too.
An Ultrasound scan of the breast is performed to identify the location of any abnormality. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then local anaesthetic is used to numb the area of the breast. This might sting for a few seconds until it takes effect. When the area is numb, a small cut is made in the skin and the biopsy needle is introduced. You will hear the needle make a loud “click” when the sample is taken. Two or three samples of tissue are usually taken.
These samples are then sent to Histology for analysis.
After the Examination
Gentle pressure is applied to the area followed by a sterile dressing over the skin puncture site. You will be free to resume your daily activities but avoid heavy lifting or exercise for 48 hours to reduce the risk of complications.
Risks
- Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort after the procedure when the local anaesthetic wears off. This is usually mild and can be helped with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol if required (avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen for the first 24 hours). You may find it more comfortable to wear a non-wired supportive bra, day and night, for two days.
- Bruising: Bruising is common after this procedure. Bruising may make that part of your breast feel lumpy or may affect a wider area. On rare occasions this can be severe and can take several weeks to resolve.
- Bleeding: Occasionally the biopsy 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.
- Infection: If you experience redness, swelling or tenderness around the injection site, please see your GP or a walk-in clinic within 24 hours as this may require treatment.
The Results
The results of your test will be made available to the requesting doctor and will usually take about 10 working days. You will receive an outpatient appointment to obtain the results.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-MAMM.10
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.