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Category: Volume 05 Issue 11 November 2017
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Title: Preservation of Intercostobrachial Nerve Relieves Pain and Sensory Disturbances and Improves Quality of Life of Post Mastectomy Patients

Authors: Dr Renjithsingh.R, Dr R.Baskaran, Dr M.Prema, Dr B.Deniraja

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i11.94

Abstract

Background: Postmastectomy pain and sensory disturbances is a complication experienced through majority of the sufferers who undergo breast surgical operation forbreast cancers. The etiology of this neuropathic pain appears to be complex and it is s still understood underneath par. Injury to the Intercostobrachial (ICB) nerve is presumed to be the dominant one. This prospective observe was designed to appraise the effect of protection of Intercostobrachial nerve on post mastectomy pain and sensory disturbances.

Methods: This cross sectional comparative study was done in Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram between July 2015 to July 2017. In-patients who underwent Modified Radical Mastectomy had been included in the study. The sufferers were divided into two groups. Group A -d patients with ICB nerve preserved and Group B - with ICB nerve sectioned. The patients Evaluated for the post operative and psychosocial morbidities immediate post operative and six months after the MRM via the use of numerous questionnaire and scales.

Results: Fifty patients who underwent MRM were observed out of which nineteen sufferers ICBN were preserved, General Quality of life as Measured by WHOQOL scaleand the observation for ICBN preserved patients is 107% and for ICBN sectioned 90.

Conclusions: Preservation of ICB nerve may significantly lower the occurrence of PMPS and sensory disturbances. Quality of life of patients with Breast Cancer who underwent MRM with intact ICB nerve is much better than those with ICB sectioned.

Keywords: Intercostobrachial nerve, Modified Radical Mastectomy, Post mastectomy pain syndrome. Quality of lifestyles.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Renjithsingh.R

Department of Surgery,

Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram