Anterior Intercostal Nerve Research Articles

Sensory recovery and the role of innervated flaps in autologous breast reconstruction-a narrative review.

Continuing (micro)surgical developments result in satisfactory aesthetic outcomes after autologous breast reconstruction. However, sensation recovers poorly and remains a source of dissatisfaction and potential harm. Sensory nerve coaptation is a promising technique to improve sensation in the reconstructed breast. In this literature review an overview of current knowledge about sensory recovery in autologous breast reconstruction and the role of innervated flaps is presented. A thorough PubMed search was conducted, using the terms "autologous breast reconstruction", "innervated" and "sensation". The breast skin is predominantly innervated by the second until sixth intercostal nerve. Some nerves can occasionally be spared during mastectomy, especially during nipple-sparing mastectomy, but transection of sensory nerves is inevitable and leads to impaired sensation. Besides unpleasant, this is unanticipated by patients and negatively influences quality of life. Coaptation between the third anterior intercostal nerve and a sensory nerve from the donor site improves sensory recovery. The donor site and nerve vary, depending on the flap type chosen. The sensory nerves from the commonly used abdominal DIEP flap originate from the 7th until 12th thoracic spinal nerves. Non-abdominal flaps, including the back, buttocks, or thigh area, can also be accompanied with a sensory nerve. Nerve coaptation can be performed directly, or by using grafts or conduits to obtain tensionless repair if necessary. It can be utilized in both immediate as well as delayed autologous breast reconstruction. No adverse outcomes of nerve coaptation have been described. And, most importantly: improved sensory recovery improves patient satisfaction and quality of life. Restoring sensation is, besides restoring aesthetic appearance, an important goal in breast reconstruction. Current evidence unambiguously demonstrates superiority of innervated flaps compared to non-innervated flaps. Sensory recovery initiates earlier and it approaches normal sensation more closely in innervated flaps, without associated risks or extensive increase in operating time. This improves patient satisfaction and quality of life. It is, therefore, a valuable addition to autologous breast reconstruction. These findings encourage implementation of sensory nerve coaptation in standard clinical care.

Pectoral Nerve Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block and Post-Breast Surgery Complications

Background: The use of regional methods in various types of surgery such as mastectomy is very popular today. Various methods, including Pecs I-II block, erector spinae, epidural thoracic, and paravertebral block have been used in these operations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Recent studies on the effect of μ receptor stimulation on the likelihood of recurrence and metastasis have been published, which make the use of a suitable regional approach with low complications and high efficacy attractive. Among the side effects of breast surgery in patients with cancer are nausea and vomiting, the risk of which is reduced through regional procedures that reduce the need for opioids. Methods: We randomly divided 64 patients into two pectoralis block (Pecs B) and erector spinae block (ESB) groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 2, 4, 6, and 10 hours, nausea and vomiting, need for opioids, and hemodynamic changes were recorded. Results: The analyses showed that pain score was significantly higher in the Pecs B group compared to the ESB group, while VAS score, as well as the frequency of opioid use, were lower, which could be due to medial branch of the anterior intercostal nerve. Hemodynamic changes were also significantly greater in the ESB group, which could be due to the proximity of the block to the thoracic sympathetic nerves and spinal cord. Conclusions: Despite the statistically significant differences in analgesia and hemodynamic changes, the seemingly superiority of the Pecs B is not clinically significant and the use of both types of the block is selective. Regarding the need for opioids and nausea, Pecs B showed a tangible advantage over ESB.

Breast Reinnervation: DIEP Neurotization Using the Third Anterior Intercostal Nerve.

The purpose of this article is to evaluate a new method of DIEP flap neurotization using a reliably located recipient nerve. We hypothesize that neurotization by this method (with either nerve conduit or direct nerve coaptation) will have a positive effect on sensory recovery. Fifty-seven deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps were performed on 35 patients. Neurotizations were performed to the third anterior intercostal nerve by directly coapting the flap donor nerve or coapting with a nerve conduit. Nine nonneurotized DIEP flaps served as controls and received no attempted neurotization. All patients were tested for breast sensibility in 9 areas of the flap skin-island and adjacent postmastectomy skin. Testing occurred at an average of 111 weeks (23-309) postoperatively. At a mean of 111 weeks after breast reconstruction, neurotization of the DIEP flap resulted in recovery of sensibility that was statistically significantly better (lower threshold) in the flap skin (P < 0.01) and statistically significantly better than in the native mastectomy skin into which the DIEP flap was inserted (P < 0.01). Sensibility recovered in DIEP flaps neurotized using the nerve conduit was significantly better (lower threshold) than that in the corresponding areas of the DIEP flaps neurotized by direct coaptation (P < 0.01). DIEP flap neurotization using the third anterior intercostal nerve is an effective technique to provide a significant increase in sensory recovery for breast reconstruction patients, while adding minimal surgical time. Additionally, the use of a nerve conduit produces increased sensory recovery when compared direct coaptation.

Anterior intercostal nerve damage after coronary artery bypass graft surgery with use of internal thoracic artery graft

Background. The prevalence of intercostal nerve damage associated with coronary artery bypass graft–internal thoracic (mammary) artery surgery is unknown.Methods. A total of 37 consecutive patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (all with left internal thoracic artery graft) who were attending a cardiac-related exercise program underwent a thorough examination. Nerve damage was considered to be “definite” in the presence of two consistent and well-demarcated sensory abnormalities over the anterior chest wall within the T1 to T6 anterior intercostal nerve territory, and was considered “possible” in the presence of one such abnormality.Results. Definite nerve damage was detected in 73% of the subjects, and possible nerve damage was found in another 11% at the site of internal thoracic artery harvesting. Protracted postoperative pain or unpleasant sensations, usually subsiding by 4 months, were reported by recollection by 81% of the subjects. Overall, the prevalence of persistent pain in those with definite nerve damage 5 to 28 months after surgery was 15%.Conclusions. Intercostal nerve damage seems to occur in three-quarters of all patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft–internal thoracic artery surgery. A significant minority may continue to experience bothersome chronic chest wall pain.