Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Changes in Mammary Gland Morphology and Breast Cancer Risk in Rats
Published on: October 16, 2010
[Sunburn of a reconstructed breast: risk of denervated tissue]
Jeroen Molleman1,2, Jarl F Tielemans1, José C van Steveninck1
1HagaZiekenhuis, afd. Plastische en Reconstructieve Chirurgie, Den Haag.
More and more women opt for breast reconstruction with autologous tissue after breast removal. Reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the most common technique. In this operation, the nerves of the DIEP flap are cut. This creates a denervated reconstructed breast which is not only numb, but also lacks autonomic response. This makes the tissue more susceptible to thermal injury. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman who underwent uncomplicated breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap 8 months ago. She recently noticed a second-degree burn on her reconstructed breast after she had been sitting in the sun whilst dressed. She did not feel anything and noticed it by accident. Familiarity with this phenomenon is important for all parties involved in care and aftercare of breast cancer and breast reconstruction, so adequate information can be provided. Reinnervation of the reconstructed breast could be a solution, but more research is needed.
More and more women opt for breast reconstruction with autologous tissue after breast removal. Reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the most common technique. In this operation, the nerves of the DIEP flap are cut. This creates a denervated reconstructed breast which is not only numb, but also lacks autonomic response. This makes the tissue more susceptible to thermal injury. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman who underwent uncomplicated breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap 8 months ago. She recently noticed a second-degree burn on her reconstructed breast after she had been sitting in the sun whilst dressed. She did not feel anything and noticed it by accident. Familiarity with this phenomenon is important for all parties involved in care and aftercare of breast cancer and breast reconstruction, so adequate information can be provided. Reinnervation of the reconstructed breast could be a solution, but more research is needed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Relative Risk
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Reconstruction of Signal using Interpolation
Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment
Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...
Tissues

