Journal of Global Radiology

Article Title

Ultrasound-guided Breast Biopsy in the Resource-limited Setting: An Initial Experience in Rural Uganda

Authors

Christopher R. Stark, University of VermontFollow
Kristen K. DeStigter, Department of Radiology, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
Alphonsus Matovu, Mubende Regional Referral HospitalFollow
Picho Alli Shadrack, Imaging the World Africa, Kampala, UgandaFollow

Article Type

Original Research

Publication Date

2017-07-01

DOI

10.7191/jgr.2017.1023

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the methodology and initial experience behind creation of an ultrasoundguided percutaneous breast core biopsy program in rural Uganda.

Methods and Materials: Imaging the World Africa (ITWA) is the registered non-governmental organization division of Imaging the World (ITW), a not-for-profit organization whose primary aim is the integration of affordable high-quality ultrasound into rural health centers. In 2013, ITWA began the pilot phase of an IRB-approved breast care protocol at a rural health center in Uganda. As part of the protocol’s diagnostic arm, an ultrasound-guided percutaneous breast core biopsy training curriculum was implemented in tandem with creation of regionally supplied biopsy kits.

Results: A surgeon at a rural regional referral hospital was successfully trained and certified to perform ultrasound-guided percutaneous breast core biopsies. Affordable and safe biopsy kits were created using locally available medical supplies with the cost of each kit totaling $10.62 USD.

Conclusion: Successful implementation of an ultrasound-guided percutaneous breast core biopsy program in the resource-limited setting is possible and can be made sustainable through incorporation of local health care personnel and regionally supplied biopsy materials. Our hope is that ITWA’s initial experience in rural Uganda can serve as a model for similar programs in the future.

Keywords

Ultrasound-guided biopsy, resource-limited setting, breast cancer, Uganda

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to recognize the collaborative support of Nawanyago Health Centre III and Kamuli Mission Hospital. This work was supported by the Stars in Global Health Grant from Grand Challenges Canada and the citizens of Canada.

Corresponding Author(s)

Christopher R. Stark, University of Vermont Medical Center, 111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401; christopher.stark@uvmhealth.org

Repository Citation

Stark CR, DeStigter KK, Matovu A, Shadrack P. Ultrasound-guided Breast Biopsy in the Resource-limited Setting: An Initial Experience in Rural Uganda. Journal of Global Radiology 2017;3(1):1023. https://doi.org/10.7191/jgr.2017.1023. Retrieved from https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/jgr/vol3/iss1/4