Prospective evaluation of skin and nipple-areola sensation and patient satisfaction after nipple-sparing mastectomy.
BACKGROUND
Sensation and quality of life (QOL) before and after nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) are poorly understood.


METHODS
Women electing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and eligible for NSM were prospectively enrolled in a sensation and satisfaction/QOL study. Women self-selected skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) or NSM. Skin sensation testing using Semmes Weinstein monofilaments and patient satisfaction/QOL surveys were administered preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively.


RESULTS
53 patients were enrolled (n = 38, 72% NSM and n = 15, 28% SSM). Both groups had significant reduction in postoperative skin sensation. For NSM, measurable NAC sensation was preserved in both NAC for 26% of patients and in one NAC for 68%. QOL and satisfaction was similar between groups. Neither group was satisfied with sexual arousal with breast or nipple stimulation after surgery.


CONCLUSION
Patients undergoing SSM and NSM have considerable loss in skin and NAC sensation following surgery. Satisfaction and QOL did not differ between groups. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:11-16. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.