Trends and characteristics of neurotization during breast reconstruction: perioperative outcomes using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP)

Restoring Sensation through Abdominal Flap Neurotization in Breast Reconstruction

Breast sensation plays a significant role in the safety and quality of life of women who undergo mastectomy and reconstruction. In 1992, Slezak et al. introduced the concept of abdominal flap neurotization to improve sensation of the reconstructed breast. Over the next 30 years, numerous studies iterated on Slezak's technique, suggesting technical modifications and new methodologies for assessing sensory recovery. Despite evidence that reinnervation increases patient satisfaction following autologous breast reconstruction, abdominal flap neurotization remains a rarely performed procedure. In this article, we review the evolution of flap neurotization in breast reconstruction and describe our approach to facilitating sensory recovery of the breast while limiting donor site morbidity.

Careful Where You Cut: Strategies for Successful Nerve-preserving Mastectomy

Breast neurotization represents an evolving technique that is not widely practiced in most centers specializing in breast cancer treatment. Recognizing the limited educational resources available for breast and plastic surgeons concerning mastectomy techniques that emphasize nerve preservation, our study sought to bridge this gap. Specifically, we aimed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the surgical applied anatomy of breast sensory innervation and a detailed, step-by-step guide for incorporating nerve-sparing mastectomy and breast neurotization into clinical practice. The significance of this work lies in its potential to enhance the understanding and implementation of nerve-preserving techniques in mastectomy procedures, contributing to improved patient outcomes and quality of life post surgery. We hope that by familiarizing breast and reconstructive surgeons with this procedure, we can gain momentum in our research efforts and ultimately enhance the care provided to mastectomy patients.

A Relative Value Unit-Based Model for Targeted Nipple-Areola Complex Neurotization in Gender-Affirming Mastectomy

Background

For transmasculine individuals, double-incision mastectomy with free nipple grafts is the most common procedure for gender-affirming chest masculinization. However, patients report decreased sensation postoperatively. Direct coaptation of intercostal nerves to the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is an experimental technique that may preserve postoperative sensation, yet whether reimbursements and billing codes incentivize hospital systems and surgeons to offer this procedure lacks clarity.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of fiscal year 2023 Medicare physician fee schedule values was performed for neurotization procedures employing Current Procedural Terminology codes specified by prior studies for neurotization of the NAC. Additionally, operative times for gender-affirming mastectomy at a single center were examined to compare efficiency between procedures with and without neurotization included.

Results

A total of 29 encounters were included in the study, with 11 (37.9%) receiving neurotization. The mean operating time was 100.3 minutes (95% CI, 89.2-111.5) without neurotization and 154.2 minutes (95% CI, 139.9-168.4) with neurotization. In 2023, the average work relative value units (wRVUs) for neurotization procedures was 13.38. Efficiency for gender-affirming mastectomy was 0.23 wRVUs per minute without neurotization and 0.24 wRVUs per minute with neurotization, yielding a difference of 0.01 wRVUs per minute.

Conclusions

Neurotization of the NAC during double-incision mastectomy with free nipple grafts is an experimental technique that may improve patient sensation after surgery. Current reimbursement policy appropriately values the additional operative time associated with neurotization relative to gender-affirming mastectomy alone.

Functional and Psychosocial Outcomes following Innervated Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

With the incidence of breast cancer, breast cancer survival rates, and prophylactic mastectomies all increasing, efforts to optimize breast reconstruction and improve quality of life are becoming increasingly important. Nerve coaptation has been investigated for its potential to remedy the clinical and psychosocial deficits in newly reconstructed breasts. The purpose of this review is to gauge the efficacy of nerve coaptation during breast reconstruction in creating worthwhile benefits in both objective and subjective dimensions of sensation.

METHODS

A Prospero registered systematic review was conducted. Databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect were screened using search terms "innervation," "breast reconstruction," and "neurotization" and relevant inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were found that met parameters for inclusion. We identified studies that assessed DIEP-based reconstruction (7), TRAM-based reconstruction (9), implant-based reconstruction (2), and five studies that looked at a variety of reconstructive modalities. Monofilament testing was the most common modality used to assess sensation, while pain, temperature, and pressure thresholds were assessed more infrequently. Various tools were used to measure psychosocial impacts, including the BREAST-Q. While the methods for evaluation of both aspects of sensation were heterogenous, there was a trend towards improved outcomes with neurotization.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review show promising improvements in clinical and psychosocial outcomes in innervated breasts compared to non-innervated breasts. However, the heterogeneity of studies in the literature indicates that more multi-center studies with standardized methodology including the BREAST-Q, sensory testing and complication analysis are needed to adequately demonstrate the value of neurotization in breast reconstruction.