Research Purpose:
Autologous breast reconstruction is becoming more common in North America, due in part to safety and aesthetic benefits. Commonly, a piece of tissue from the abdomen or other location on the body is moved to the breast area to reconstruct the breast. Following reconstruction, there is often a loss of sensation in the breasts due to damaged nerves. Over time, sensation may spontaneously return through the regrowth of sensory nerves, but this is highly variable and the timing of this is unpredictable. Recently, plastic surgeons have started using a technique where nerves are attached to the new tissue and the breast at the time of reconstruction. This is known as neurotization and early research shows this might help with regaining sensation long-term, however, more research is required to compare non-neurotized and neurotized reconstruction and determine if one technique is more effective for sensory restoration long-term.
The purpose of this study is to understand the restoration of sensation using neurotization and non-neurotization in autologous breast reconstruction. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the technique most suitable for your care. Regardless of which technique you receive, we would still like to assess patients’ experience with autologous breast reconstruction in terms of sensation restoration, health-related quality of life, and patient satisfaction.
What is involved:
This study consists of a questionnaire, called the BREAST-Q, and an optional sensory assessment using the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test.
The questionnaire (BREAST-Q) can be completed online through a web-based platform called REDCap, through a paper version that can be returned with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope, or verbally through a phone call with a researcher. The questionnaire will take about 10-15 minutes to complete and will be administered at four different timepoints: once before your surgery and then 6, 12 and 18-months after surgery. You will not be required to answer any questions that you are uncomfortable answering.
The sensory assessment is an optional part of the study. If you choose to participate in this part of the study, the test will be completed by a member of the research team using monofilaments, small threadlike objects. The Semmes-Weinstein Test involves pressing different sizes of the monofilaments to the breast to assess sensation in the breast. This test will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. These optional assessments will be administered 6 and 12-months after your surgery
Who can participate:
You may be able to participate in this study if you:
- Are female, aged 19 or over
- Are undergoing total mastectomy (surgery to remove the breast), for breast cancer or risk reduction, with immediate breast reconstruction using your own tissue (autologous breast reconstruction) with or without axillary surgery