News

INTEGRIS Health physicians are performing nerve-preserving mastectomies with breast neurotization, an innovative approach designed to preserve or restore breast sensation following mastectomy and reconstruction.

Nicole Sharp Cottrell, M.D., a board-certified breast surgical oncologist, and Matthew Marr. M.D., a reconstructive plastic surgeon at INTEGRIS Health Edmond Hospital, are using a collaborative approach that addresses both the shape and sensation of the reconstructed breast. During mastectomy, Sharp Cottrell preserves appropriate sensory nerves when possible. During reconstruction, Marr repairs or grafts nerves to help restore pathways that may allow sensation to return over time.

“Breast reconstruction has traditionally focused on restoring shape and appearance. Nerve preservation and neurotization allow us to also consider how the breast may feel,” says Sharp Cottrell. “Preserving the appropriate nerves during mastectomy is an important first step in that process.”

Marr adds, “Our goal is to give patients the opportunity to regain sensation that can be meaningful in everyday life. When appropriate nerves are preserved and then repaired or reconstructed, the nerves can potentially regrow and reconnect with the reconstructed breast tissue over time.”

What is the biggest benefit to the patient?

Traditional breast reconstruction restores breast shape, while neurotization—also called sensory nerve reconstruction—aims to restore nerve pathways that can allow patients to regain sensations such as touch, pressure and temperature.

The distinction between nipple-sparing and nerve-preserving surgery is important.

While nipple-sparing mastectomy preserves the visible nipple-areola complex, it does not necessarily preserve sensation. Nerve-preserving surgery specifically identifies and protects the sensory nerves beneath the breast and nipple.

What the data shows

Research suggests that restoring sensation may improve patients’ awareness of heat, pressure and potential injuries while also contributing to well-being, body connection and quality of life.

In one prospective study, more than 80% of patients demonstrated good-to-excellent measured breast sensation six months after the procedure.

Studies also indicate that pain and numbness are common following breast cancer surgery, with nearly 80% of patients reporting one or both during the first year. By preserving and repairing nerves, this approach is also being studied for its potential to reduce persistent numbness and nerve-related symptoms such as tingling, burning and hypersensitivity.

What doctors are saying

“Patients deserve to understand that reconstruction can involve more than restoring the external form of the breast,” states Sharp Cottrell. “Preserving and restoring the nerves may offer another dimension of recovery.”

“Every patient’s anatomy and cancer treatment are different, so nerve preservation and neurotization are not appropriate for everyone,” admits Marr. “But when these techniques are possible, they give us another way to think about reconstruction—one that considers not only how the breast looks, but also how it may feel.”

Patients considering breast cancer surgery or reconstruction can talk with their care team about whether nerve preservation and neurotization may be appropriate for their individual treatment plan or visit INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Breast Surgery for more information.