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Open Access 01-02-2018 | Clinical trial

Sensation of the autologous reconstructed breast improves quality of life: a pilot study

Authors: Anouk J. M. Cornelissen, Jop Beugels, Sander M. J. van Kuijk, Esther M. Heuts, Shai M. Rozen, Aldona J. Spiegel, René R. W. J. van der Hulst, Stefania M. H. Tuinder

Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The number of breast cancer survivors continues to grow. Due to refinements in operating techniques, autologous breast reconstruction has become part of standard care. Impaired sensation remains a debilitating side effect with a significant impact on the quality of life. Microsurgical nerve coaptation of a sensory nerve has the potential to improve sensation of the reconstructed breast. This study investigates the effect of improved sensation of the reconstructed breast on the quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in the Maastricht University Medical Center. Patients undergoing a DIEP flap breast reconstruction between January 2015 and January 2016 were included. The primary outcome was quality of life (BREAST-Q domain ‘physical well-being of the chest’). The Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments were used for objective sensation measurement of the reconstructed breast(s).

Results

Eighteen patients with and 14 patients without nerve coaptation responded. Nipple reconstruction was the only characteristic that differed statistically significant between both groups (p = 0.04). The BREAST-Q score for the domain physical well-being of the chest was 77.89 ± 18.89 on average in patients with nerve coaptation and 66.21 ± 18.26 in patients without nerve coaptation (p = 0.09). Linear regression showed a statistically significant relation between objectively measured sensation and BREAST-Q score for the domain physical well-being of the chest with a regression coefficient of − 13.17 ± 3.61 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Improved sensation in the autologous reconstructed breast, with the addition of microsurgical nerve coaptation, has a statistical significant positive impact on the quality of life in breast cancer survivors according to the BREAST-Q.

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Title: Sensation of the autologous reconstructed breast improves quality of life: a pilot study
Authors: Anouk J. M. Cornelissen
Jop Beugels
Sander M. J. van Kuijk
Esther M. Heuts
Shai M. Rozen
Aldona J. Spiegel
René R. W. J. van der Hulst
Stefania M. H. Tuinder
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0167-6806
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7217
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4547-3

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