Abstract PS2-01-24: Efficacy and safety of intercostal nerve anastomosis in immediate biplane breast reconstruction after nipple-areola-sparing mastectomy: a randomized, controlled, open-label clinical study

Abstract Purpose: to investigate the efficacy and safety of intercostal nerve anastomosis among breast cancer patients who undergo immediate biplane breast reconstruction after nipple-areola-sparing mastectomy. Methods: From 2023 to 2025, 20 to 60 year-old female breast patients (stage I-IIIA), who required and were willing to undergo immediate biplane breast reconstruction after nipple areola-sparing mastectomy, were screened and assigned to take the operation with (treatment group) or without (control group) intercostal nerve anastomosis (selected and dissociated the nerves with appropriate length and thickness among the 2nd to 4th intercostal nerves, then anastomosed to the posterior areola tissue). A radial incision at the surface projection of the tumor location was used. Using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments to evaluate the patients’ breast local before the operation as well as at 15 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Additionally, the patients' quality of life was subjectively assessed using the BREAST-Q scale at 6 months after surgery. Adverse events, operation duration, drainage volume, and the duration of drainage tube carrying time were also monitored and recorded. Results: Compared to the control group, intercostal nerve anastomosis significantly improved the local sensation at 15 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively (P