Regaining Feeling After Mastectomy: Sensory Nerve Repair at Time of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the breast, typically used to treat cancer. Breast reconstruction is a surgery that restores the shape and appearance of the breast after mastectomy. Sensory nerve repair at time of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is a technique that can be used to restore sensation in the reconstructed breast. This procedure has many potential benefits for patients who have undergone mastectomy and wish to reconstruct their breasts.

Overview of Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

Mastectomy is an effective treatment for certain types of cancer, including invasive ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, Paget’s disease, and recurrent cancer in the same area. The type of mastectomy performed depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as other factors such as age and health status. Breast reconstruction is typically done following mastectomy to restore the shape and appearance of the breast. It can be done with implants or with autologous tissue (flap reconstruction).

Overview of Sensory Nerve Repair at Time of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Sensory nerve repair at time of DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a technique used to restore sensation in reconstructed breasts. This procedure involves connecting healthy sensory nerves from other areas in the body (such as the abdomen) to nerves in the reconstructed breast. This can help restore feeling in the reconstructed breast, which may otherwise be numb due to damage caused by mastectomy or radiation therapy.

Benefits of the Procedure

The potential benefits of sensory nerve repair at time of diep flap breast reconstruction include improved quality of life for patients who have undergone mastectomy and want to feel more connected to their bodies after surgery. Additionally, this procedure can help reduce pain associated with scar tissue formation around reconstructed breasts, as well as improve tactile sensitivity and provide more natural movement when performing activities such as swimming or exercising.

Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction

Autologous reconstruction is the most common type of breast reconstruction and utilizes tissue from the patient’s own body to reconstruct the breast. The most common type of autologous reconstruction is a DIEP flap, which is a procedure that uses tissue from the lower abdomen to create a new breast mound. During a DIEP flap, excess fat and skin are removed from the lower abdomen and used to create a new breast mound. This procedure can be done at the same time as a mastectomy or at any other time after the mastectomy has been completed. In some cases, two DIEP flaps may be needed in order to reconstruct both breasts.

Microneurorrhaphy Procedure

At the same time as a DIEP flap breast reconstruction, patients may also undergo microneurorrhaphy, which is a procedure that repairs sensory nerves in order to restore feeling to the reconstructed breast. During this procedure, surgeons use very small sutures to reconnect severed sensory nerves in order to restore feeling in the reconstructed breast. This procedure has been shown to improve patient satisfaction with their results and can help reduce discomfort and pain associated with nerve damage after surgery.

Other Types of Flap Reconstruction

In addition to diep flap reconstruction, there are several other types of flap reconstruction that can be used for breast reconstruction. These include TRAM flaps, which use tissue from the upper abdomen; latissimus dorsi flaps, which use tissue from the back; and gluteal flaps, which use tissue from the buttocks. Each of these procedures have their own benefits and risks and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to undergoing any type of flap reconstruction.

Nerve Regeneration Research Advances

Recent advances in nerve regeneration research have made it possible for surgeons to repair nerve damage more effectively than ever before. This includes techniques such as using stem cells or growth factors to stimulate nerve regeneration and improve sensation in reconstructed breasts. Other advances include using artificial intelligence-based systems to diagnose and treat nerve damage more accurately than ever before. These technologies are still being researched but could potentially revolutionize how nerve damage is treated in breast reconstruction surgeries in the future.

Patient Testimonial

One patient who underwent microneurorrhaphy during her DIEP flap reconstruction described her experience as “life-changing” because she was able to regain feeling in her reconstructed breasts after years without sensation due to nerve damage caused by her mastectomy surgery. She noted that having sensation restored through microneurorrhaphy improved her quality of life significantly because she was able to enjoy activities such as swimming again without worrying about discomfort or pain caused by nerve damage.

Pros

Sensory nerve repair at the time of a DIEP flap breast reconstruction offers numerous potential benefits to patients who have undergone a mastectomy. The most notable benefit of this procedure is that it can restore sensation in the reconstructed breast area, allowing for greater comfort and improved aesthetics. Additionally, sensory nerve repair may help reduce post-operative pain and improve the patient’s quality of life. Studies have also shown that nerve regeneration following this type of surgery can result in improved motor function in the affected area, which could lead to greater range of motion and overall better physical health. Lastly, sensory nerve repair may help reduce scarring associated with the reconstruction process by providing an additional layer of tissue protection from trauma or infection.

Cons

Despite its potential benefits, there are some risks and complications associated with sensory nerve repair at the time of a DIEP flap breast reconstruction. First and foremost, this type of surgery is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by most insurance plans. As such, patients must pay out-of-pocket for any costs associated with their care. Additionally, there is no guarantee that reinnervation will be successful; even if it does occur, it may take several months or longer before sensation returns to the affected area. Lastly, this type of surgery requires specialized training on the part of the surgeon and may not be available in all areas.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved with sensory nerve repair at time of DIEP flap breast reconstruction. These include potential infection or bleeding during or after surgery as well as scarring or changes in skin texture due to altered blood flow in the affected area. Additionally, some patients may experience numbness or tingling sensations due to damage to surrounding nerves during surgery. Lastly, there is a risk that reinnervation will not be successful despite all efforts made by the surgeon and patient alike; if this occurs, further corrective surgeries may be necessary to restore sensation to the affected area.

Considerations for Patients Undergoing Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

When considering whether or not to undergo sensory nerve repair at time of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, patients should carefully evaluate their individual needs and goals for treatment. For instance, those who are primarily concerned about restoring sensation in their reconstructed breasts should strongly consider having this procedure performed as soon as possible following their mastectomy so as not to delay recovery time and maximize their chances for successful reinnervation. However, those who are more focused on cosmetic results rather than feeling sensations should weigh other options such as implants or fat grafting instead since these techniques may provide more immediate results without any added risks associated with nerve regeneration surgeries. Ultimately, each patient must make an informed decision based on their own individual needs and preferences when it comes to reconstructive procedures following mastectomy.

Additional Resources

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Resources

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is a professional organization for plastic surgeons and offers a variety of resources for patients considering mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The ASPS website provides information about the different types of breast reconstruction, including autologous (flap) reconstruction and microneurorrhaphy procedure. Patients can also find information on nerve regeneration research advances, as well as pros and cons of sensory nerve repair at time of DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Additionally, the ASPS has a Find Your Surgeon tool which allows patients to search for a board-certified plastic surgeon in their area who specializes in breast reconstruction surgery.

Find Your Surgeon Tool

The ASPS Find Your Surgeon tool helps patients locate board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in breast reconstruction surgery. Patients can search by zip code or state to find surgeons near them, read about each surgeon’s credentials and experience, and contact them directly to ask questions or schedule an appointment. The Find Your Surgeon tool also provides patient reviews so that patients can get an idea of what others have experienced with the surgeons they are considering.

Conclusion

DIEP flap breast reconstruction has become an increasingly popular option for women who have undergone a mastectomy. This procedure can provide many benefits, such as improved body image, more natural-looking breasts, and fewer additional surgeries. The added benefit of sensory nerve repair at the time of DIEP flap reconstruction is that it can potentially restore sensation to the reconstructed breast area.

While this procedure does come with some risks and complications, it is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Patients should also be aware of the potential for nerve regeneration research advances in the future which could further improve outcomes.

Ultimately, each patient must weigh the pros and cons of sensory nerve repair at the time of DIEP flap breast reconstruction before making an informed decision about their care. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) provides resources to help patients make informed decisions about their care, including a Find Your Surgeon Tool to help them locate a qualified plastic surgeon in their area.