Nerve Coaptation in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Sensory Recovery of the Breast Following Innervated and Non-innervated DIEP Flap Breast Reconstructions

The sensory recovery of the breast remains an undervalued aspect of breast reconstruction and surgical reinnervation is not regarded as a priority by most reconstructive surgeons. A prospective study was conducted of all patients who underwent either innervated or non-innervated DIEP flap breast reconstruction in Maastricht University Medical Center and returned for follow-up between September 2015 and July 2017. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used for sensory testing of the breast. This study showed that nerve coaptation in DIEP flap breast reconstruction resulted in a significantly improved sensation of the reconstructed breast compared to non-innervated flaps.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female patients 18 years or older
• Unilateral or bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction
• Returned for follow-up between September 2015 and July 2017
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral breast reconstruction with a unilateral innervated DIEP flap and a contralateral non-innervated flap
• Flaps that required a take-back