SCOUT® Radar Localisation for Nonpalpable Breast Lesions: A North Queensland Perspective

Introduction Wire localisation of nonpalpable breast lesions is common. However, the logistical limitations of wire localisation have led to the development of wireless methods such as the SAVI SCOUT® system (Merit Medical Systems, South Jordan, UT, USA). Methods This retrospective study analysed consecutive patients undergoing SCOUT®-guided excision of nonpalpable breast lesions between February 2024 and June 2025 from one high-volume tertiary institution and one private surgical practice in North Queensland. The primary outcomes were successful reflector placement, intraoperative localisation, reflector retrieval, and positive margin rates. Secondary outcomes included time from SCOUT® placement to surgery, operative duration, intraoperative re-excision, specimen weight and volume, post-operative complications, and rates of close margins and re-excisions. Results A total of 170 nonpalpable breast lesions were excised from 163 patients, of which 24 patients had their lesions excised post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). We observed 97% successful placement of the reflector, 98% successful intraoperative localisation, and 100% successful reflector retrieval. Median time from reflector insertion to surgery was six days (IQR 4, 13), with the longest duration between reflector placement and surgery being 198 days in a patient whose reflector was placed prior to commencing NACT. The mean operating time was 87.5 minutes (SD 43.5). Post-operative complications were observed in 14 patients (8.2%). Rates of involved margins and re-excisions were 9% and 19%, respectively. Conclusion SCOUT® is an effective and reliable method of wireless localisation for the excision of nonpalpable breast lesions.