The role of preoperative mammography in women considering reduction mammoplasty: a single institution review of 207 patients

Background

Standard use of preoperative mammography is controversial in patients considering reduction mammoplasty. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of mammography before breast reduction.

Methods

The authors conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review examining preoperative mammography in reduction mammoplasty candidates.

Results

Between 2001 and 2005, 207 women with recent screening mammography were evaluated for reduction mammoplasty. Thirty-two patients (16%) were found to have abnormal preoperative mammographic results, all of which were false-positives. Previously, reported risk factors including body mass index, decreasing age, previous breast procedure, and lack of comparative mammogram did not predict abnormal mammographic findings. Abnormal imaging results did not influence the decision to proceed with surgery but did have a trend toward delaying surgery.

Conclusions

Mammography before reduction mammoplasty can result in a high number of false-positive results, and surgeons should counsel their patients as to the possibility of subsequent studies.