Women will potentially require fewer repeat breast surgeries following the arrival of a new breast-conserving machine at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.

Thanks to a generous donation by the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation and in partnership with surgeon Dr Kylie Snook, women in the Hornsby community diagnosed with breast cancer will benefit from the Hologic Trident Breast Specimen Imaging Machine, used in the hospital’s operating theatres.

Clinical Director of Surgery and Anaesthesia Dr Pip Middleton said the equipment reduced time for patients under anaesthesia and provided immediate confirmation in real time to surgeons the cancer had been removed.

“The machine helps the surgeon during the operation without the need to wait for margin confirmation,” he said.

“The machine supports point of care testing with instant verification of results, resulting in reduced procedure time and improved workflow.”

The new equipment is used to perform breast-conserving surgeries or stereotactic breast biopsies.