Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
[Feasibility study of preserving intercostobrachial nerve during dissection for breast carcinoma: evidences from a
Huan Zheng1, Chan-chan Hu, Xiao-dan Shi
1Department of Human Anatomy, North China Coal Medical University, Tangshan 063000, China.
Objective:
To determine the feasibility of preservation of intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) in breast cancer.
Methods:
During June 2004 to June 2006, 99 patients with operable breast cancer receiving an axillary lymph node dissection at our department were analyzed. The extirpated ICBN and ambient tissues were tested by HE staining to observe the pathological changes.
Results:
In 96 (96.97%) cases with ICBN sacrificing, the nerves were not violated microscopically and the nerve cells remained intact. Of 28 patients with axillary lymphadenectasis, only 3 cases (10.71%) were found to have tumor emboli in the peri-neural vessels.
Conclusion:
The preservation of ICBN is a feasible and safe technique. The operative approach should be advocated. If at all possible, a surgeon should identify ICBN and preserve it.
