A recent study by Korean researchers has revealed that the degree of sensory loss after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) varies depending on the incision method. Radial incisions around the areola were found to cause approximately 1.69 times more sensory loss than incisions along the inframammary fold.

Detailed Study Results:

A research team led by Professors Chung Joon and Kook Yoon-won from the Department of Breast Surgery at Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital conducted a study on 97 patients who underwent NSM between October 2019 and November 2021. 65 patients had incisions along the inframammary fold, while 32 had radial incisions around the areola.

The research team measured the degree of nipple-areolar complex sensory recovery using a pinprick test. The average sensory recovery score for the inframammary fold incision group was 3.77±3.11 points, while the average score for the radial areolar incision group was 2.47±2.51 points. The sensory loss rate was 62.5% for the radial areolar incision group and 36.9% for the inframammary fold incision group.

Significance of the Study and Future Expectations:

This study is significant in that it revealed that the incision method in NSM affects nipple-areolar complex sensory recovery. Professor Chung Joon stated, "We hope that the results of this study will contribute to improving patient satisfaction and quality of life after breast cancer treatment."

The study results were published in the latest issue of the renowned SCI journal in the field of surgery, the International Journal of Surgery.