Journal
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
Volume 29, Issue 3, Pages 213-215Publisher
W B SAUNDERS CO LTD
DOI: 10.1053/ejso.2002.1409
Keywords
breast cancer; axillary node dissection; intercostobrachial nerve
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Aims: We have previously reported in a randomised controlled trial comparing intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) preservation with division that no difference in symptoms was seen between the groups at 3 months follow-up although a reduced area of sensory loss was measured on the arm. To determine if longer follow-up provides evidence for ICBN preservation, follow-up of patients in the trial at 3 years (range 32-38 months) postoperatively was performed. Methods: Sensory symptoms and deficits, pain, shoulder movements, arm circumference and the presence of neuromas were documented in 73 patients from the original group of 120. Results: No difference in survival or axillary recurrence was observed. The only symptom which differed between the two groups was a subjective assessment of 'different sensation' (P = 0.006). No significant difference was observed in other sensory symptoms, pain, shoulder movement, arm circumference or presence of neuromas. A larger area of sensory deficit was measured in women with sacrificed nerves compared to preserved (P = 0.009). Conclusion: Preservation of the intercostobrachial nerve does not affect patient survival. It improves patient sensory deficit significantly and modestly improves long-term symptoms. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
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