Nerve Coaptation in LTP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Breast Cancer

Treatments: Procedure: Sensory nerve coaptation

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03959943

METC16-4-147

Details and patient eligibility

About

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 lateral thigh perforator (LTP) flap breast reconstruction in Maastricht University Medical Center and returned for follow-up between February 2016 and April 2019. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used for sensory testing of the breast.

Enrollment: 46 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female patients 18 years or older
• Unilateral or bilateral LTP flap breast reconstruction
• Returned for follow-up between February 2016 and April 2019
• Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• In case of a total flap loss
• Flaps that required a take-back
• Follow-up less than six months postoperatively

Trial design

46 participants in 2 patient groups

Innervated LTP flaps

Description:

Patients in this group underwent immediate or delayed, unilateral or bilateral lateral thigh perforator (LTP) flap breast reconstruction with additional sensory nerve coaptation.

Treatment:

Procedure: Sensory nerve coaptation

Non-innervated LTP flaps

Description:

Patients in this group underwent immediate or delayed, unilateral or bilateral lateral thigh perforator (LTP) flap breast reconstruction without sensory nerve coaptation.