Open AccessLate Sensory Neurotization of the Nipple-Areola Complex After Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Author(s) -
José E. Telich-Tarriba,
Daniel Garza-Arriaga,
David F Navarro-Barquín,
Alejandro Lopez-Garibay,
Alexander Cárdenas-Mejía
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
archives of breast cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2383-0433
pISSN - 2383-0425
DOI - 10.32768/abc.202292247-249
Subject(s) - medicine , breast reconstruction , intercostal nerves , surgery , areola , mastectomy , implant , sensation , plastic surgery , breast cancer , cancer , neuroscience , biology
Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has become widely adopted owing to its oncologic safety, aesthetic results and psychological benefits. Lack of sensation on the Nipple-areola complex (NAC) after reconstruction remains a common complaint that has been scarcely researched in the alloplastic reconstruction population. The aim of this report is to present a nipple neurotization technique suitable for patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction.Case Presentation: A 42-year-old female with ductal breast carcinoma underwent periareolar NSM with implant-based reconstruction and complained about lack of tactile sensation on mastectomy flaps and NAC. A year after the reconstruction surgery, she underwent late NAC neurotization by bridging the 4th intercostal nerve to the undersurface of the areola using a 15cm sural nerve autograft. Recovery of protective and pressure sensation was seen six months later over the NAC. Conclusion: This case confirms that late neurotization in alloplastic reconstruction by bridging the areolar dermis to a donor intercostal nerve provides sensory recovery at the NAC.