Does Intra-operative MarginProbe Use Reduce Re-excision Rates?

The new device we are looking at is called the MarginProbe. It is a disposable probe which measures the margins of tissue removed to check they are clear of cancer cells, during breast conservation surgery. After specimen radiology, allows the Surgeon to remove further tissue if necessary, during the same operation if any involved margins are identified. This minimises the need for further repeat operations. Previous studies carried out elsewhere in the world (USA and Israel) have identified that the probe reduces re-excision rate but there has never been a study in the UK. The trial involves randomly allocating patients once they are in theatre, to either the MarginProbe procedure after breast conserving surgery and radiology has been completed, or not.