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You will have localization before an biopsy or lumpectomy to locate a site of concern. This involves placing one or more fine wires or smart clips into the lesion in your breast. This will help guide the surgeon to the tissue to remove it.
As soon as you know your surgery date, please tell the Breast Center nursing staff if you are taking any blood thinning medicine. This includes aspirin. You will need to stop taking this medicine before the localization and surgery.
Before the Procedure
You will check into the UW Outpatient Surgery Center if you are having surgery the same day as the localization. There, you will change into a gown and robe. You will have an IV started. Staff will bring you to the Breast Center in a wheelchair.
You will come to the Breast Center for the procedure if your smart clip is placed days or weeks before.
During the Procedure
1.You will have a mammogram or ultrasound of your breast. This is to locate the site of concern.
2.Your breast will be cleaned.
3.Your doctor will inject numbing medicine into your breast. You may feel a sting. We do not want you to
feel any pain after this. Please speak up if you are having any pain with this procedure.
4.Your doctor will place a small needle into your breast at the site of concern. You may feel some pressure and/or a “tugging” sensation. This is normal. Please let the staff know if you feel pain.
5.The needle is removed once your doctor confirms the needle placement. If you have a wire localization, the thin, thread-like wire remains in place and is secured to the outside of the breast with tape. If you have a smart clip placed, the site will be covered with steri strips. Do not remove the strips if your surgery is scheduled within 5 days. The surgeon will remove them in the operating room (OR).
6.You will then have one or more mammography images taken to confirm the wire or smart clip placement. Your surgeon will use these images during your surgery.
After the Procedure
Staff will take you back to the Outpatient Surgery Center to prepare for your surgery if your surgery is the same day. If your surgery is not that day, you will be discharged from the Breast Center.