Efficacy and safety of microwave ablation for benign breast lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) for benign breast lesions. Material and methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform databases were searched. Results: A total of 10 studies were included, giving a sample size of 1241 patients and 2729 benign breast lesions. The first complete ablation success rate was 96%. The volume reduction ratio (VRR) after 3/6/12 months was 47.4%, 62.1%, and 85.8%, respectively. After 12 months, the lesion disappearance rate was 53.6%, and the efficiency rate was 99%. The rate of excellent cosmesis was 88% and the rate of good cosmesis was 10%. The complication rate was 2%. Conclusions: MWA is safe and effective for treating benign breast lesions. It can be a promising minimally invasive choice for benign breast lesions.