Nerve Coaptation in LTP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Sensory Recovery of the Breast Following Innervated and Non-innervated Lateral Thigh Perforator (LTP) Flap Breast Reconstructions

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT03959943

Enrollment

Registered

2019-05-22

Start date

2016-02-29

Completion date

2019-04-30

Last updated

2023-10-23

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Breast Cancer

Keywords

Breast reconstruction, LTP flap, Sensory recovery, Breast sensation, Nerve coaptation

Brief summary

The sensory recovery of the breast remains an undervalued aspect of breast reconstruction and surgical reinnervation is not regarded as a priority by most reconstructive surgeons. A prospective study was conducted of all patients who underwent either innervated or non-innervated lateral thigh perforator (LTP) flap breast reconstruction in Maastricht University Medical Center and returned for follow-up between February 2016 and April 2019. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used for sensory testing of the breast.

Interventions

PROCEDURESensory nerve coaptation

A recipient sensory nerve branch of the lateral cutaneous femoral nerve (LCFN) was reattached to a donor nerve in the chest area. The anterior cutaneous branch of the second or third intercostal nerve was used as the donor nerve. Direct, end-to-end nerve coaptation was performed.

Study design

Observational model

COHORT

Time perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

FEMALE

Age

18 Years to 80 Years

Inclusion criteria

* Female patients 18 years or older * Unilateral or bilateral LTP flap breast reconstruction * Returned for follow-up between February 2016 and April 2019 * Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

* In case of a total flap loss * Flaps that required a take-back * Follow-up less than six months postoperatively

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
The sensory recovery of the reconstructed breast as assessed by Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments	Through study completion up to 27 months postoperatively	The sensory recovery of the breast to touch was tested at different follow-up moments after the initial surgery. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used for sensory testing. Nine areas of the breast, indicating native skin and flap skin, were tested. Mean monofilament values were calculated for each area and compared between groups.

Countries

Netherlands

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026