Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Sensory Outcome, Chronic Pain, Phantom Pain, and Patient Satisfaction in Cancer and Transgender Patients Undergoing Mastectomy and Reconstruction With and Without Reinnervation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of sensory nerve preservation and reconnection during mastectomy surgeries, including gender-affirming mastectomy, implant-based breast reconstruction, and autologous breast reconstruction. The study aims to compare postoperative sensation and patient satisfaction between patients who receive surgical nerve reinnervation and those who do not. This research addresses the common issues of reduced sensation, chronic pain, and phantom pain occurring after mastectomy by using advanced nerve surgery techniques and comprehensive sensory testing. The study groups include patients undergoing nipple sparing mastectomy with implant reconstruction, nipple sparing mastectomy with autologous reconstruction, gender mastectomy with free nipple grafting, and a control group matched by surgical procedure, age, BMI, and mastectomy weight. Sensory outcomes will be measured with quantitative sensory testing (QST) that assesses multiple sensory functions such as cold, warm, pain, pressure, vibration, and two-point discrimination. Patient-reported outcomes will also be collected to evaluate satisfaction and pain levels over time. Participants will undergo assessments before surgery and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, with some measures continuing annually up to 10 years. The study involves physical examinations, QST, and questionnaires to track changes in sensation, pain thresholds, and patient satisfaction. The research team will analyze sensory recovery, the incidence of chronic and phantom pain, and overall patient experience to inform future guidelines and potential broader clinical trials.

Prospective Study of Sensation and Satisfaction in Cancer and Transgender Mastectomy Patients