Abstract:Objective:
To evaluate the effect of preserving the intercostobrachial nerve(ICBN) during modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Methods:Preservation of ICBN during modified radical mastectomy was performed in 100 patients with stage Ⅰ or stage Ⅱ breast carcinoma. All patients were followed up after operation.
Results:Ninty-one patients had normal sensation of the skin of upper arm on operated side, while medial side paresthesia of the upper arm occurred in 9 cases within the postoperative follow up period.
Conclusions:Preserving the intercostobrachial nerve in modified radical mastectomy for patients with breast cancer can decrease the incidence of abnormal sensation of the skin of affected upper arm,and improve the quality of life of patients after operation.