11P - Preservation of intercostobrachial nerve during axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients positively impacts chronic pain, sensory changes, and quality of life: Should it be the standard?

Background

Breast cancer survivors suffer from various survivorship issues, including persistent pain, sensory changes, and poor quality of life, often overlooked in traditional mortality and morbidity indicators. The study's objective was to determine whether intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) preservation resulted in reduced chronic pain, sensory changes, and improved quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted between 2018 and 2020 among 81 breast cancer patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection and was divided into two cohorts based on the ICBN preservation or division. The patients were interviewed at 6 months with EORTC QoL Questionnaire.

Results

ICBN preserved group had statistically significant less frequent sensory changes at discharge 51.5% vs. 87.5% (p=<0.001) which improved at six months 27.3% vs. 72.7% (p=<0.001). Clinically significant pain was reduced in the ICBN preservation group 15.2% vs. 84.8% (p=<0.001). Similarly, it had significantly better scores in physical, emotional functioning domains in EORTC QoL and fewer scores in symptom scales of pain and fatigue.

Conclusions

Our study shows that preservation of the intercostobrachial nerve is associated with significantly reduced pain in the chest wall, axilla, arm, lesser sensory changes, and improved quality of life. ICBN preservation should be considered in all patients undergoing axillary dissection for breast cancer.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.