Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
In situ Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap: A Rat Model of Myocutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Published on: June 8, 2013
Flap neurotisation improves sensation outcomes in abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction: A systematic
Parand Tajziehchi1, Nirmal Dayaratna2, Briona E Holten2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney University Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Department of Breast Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, 119-143 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Cnr Hawksbury Road and, Darcy Road, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
Background:
Flap neurotisation is a promising solution to restore the diminished or complete loss of sensation following mastectomy. This systematic review compared sensory outcomes in neurotised versus non-neurotised abdominal-based autologous breast reconstructions to establish its benefit in routine clinical practice.
Methods:
A literature search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried for relevant studies. Pressure sensitivity, measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) or the pressure-specified sensory device (PSSD), was the primary outcome measure.
Results:
A total of 12 studies comprising 367 neurotised and 295 non-neurotised flap reconstructions were included, with 8 studies included in the meta-analysis. Neurotised flaps demonstrated superior sensory outcomes over non-neurotised flaps, with significant differences in SWM scores (mean difference [MD], -1.552 95% CI, -2.351 to -0.7535; p = 0.0001) and PSSD (MD -13.36; 95% CI, -26.41 to -0.3117; p = 0.0448) at follow-up (range 8 to 77 months). The differences in total skin sensation (native and flap skin combined) were statistically significant in the SWM group (p = 0.0010) but not in the PSSD group (p = 0.0649). Investigation on the factors impacting sensation recovery in neurotised flaps yielded inconclusive outcomes.
Conclusions:
Neurotised flaps consistently demonstrated superior sensation outcomes compared with non-neurotised flaps, irrespective of flap type or neurotisation technique. However, further research is essential to elucidate the factors that impact sensory recovery and standardise neurotisation practices for more optimal post-mastectomy reconstruction outcomes.
More Related Videos
09:07The Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Axial Flap to Study Ischemic Preconditioning Effects in a Rat Model
Published on: January 27, 2023
13:35Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:37Neural Regulation
01:23Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
01:26Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System III: Elimination
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...