Mastectomy patients choosing to have breast reconstruction may be candidates for an additional procedure called Sensory Nerve Reconstruction or “Microneurorrhaphy” performed at the same time as their breast reconstruction. This extra procedure repairs the nerves cut by the mastectomy by joining two nerves using microsurgery, which significantly improves return of feeling to the reconstructed breast.
Most patients choosing autologous reconstruction options are candidates for Sensory Nerve Reconstruction. When breast reconstruction is performed using flaps like the DIEP flap, sensory nerves are transferred with the flap to the chest and reconnected to nerves cut by the mastectomy. Sensory Nerve Reconstruction is possible during implant reconstruction for some patients. The use of a nerve graft is always necessary in this scenario however, and at this time, is not always covered by insurance.