What do breast surgeons do?
Am J Surg 2009;
198:544-6. [PMID:
19800465 DOI:
10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.06.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 06/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
There are an increasing number of fellowship-trained breast surgeons and surgical oncologists who dedicate their clinical practice exclusively to breast disease. However, there are little published data regarding characteristics of a breast surgical practice.
METHODS
All patient visits at a university-based breast surgery practice were reviewed for calendar years 2006 and 2007.
RESULTS
There were 10,381 patient visits, of which 2,334 (22%) represented new patients. Of these, 11% were referred with a diagnosis of cancer. Out of the remainder, 29% had a needle biopsy (8% by the surgeon and 21% by radiology), 29% underwent surgery, and 13% were ultimately diagnosed with cancer. After completion of initial therapy, 6 months or 1 year follow-up was recommended for 59% of the patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The specialty of breast surgery is unique in its nonoperative volume and extensive duration of follow-up. Strategies need to be designed to make this process more time-efficient for the surgeon.
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