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Laser-evoked potentials as a novel tool for sensibility assessment following inferior pedicle breast reduction

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European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Nipple-areola complex numbness is common following breast reduction with most techniques. The aim of our study was to objectively quantify specific sensory outcomes before and after inferior pedicle breast reduction with two combined neurophysiological methods: dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (D-SEPs) and laser-evocated potentials (LEPs).

Methods

Patients’ subjective breast sensation was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by accurate clinical examinations. Thirty patients underwent quantitative measurements preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months following inferior pedicle breast reduction to assess tactile and vibratory sensitivity (D-SEP recordings) and painful and thermic sensitivity (LEP recordings).

Results

The collected data did not reveal significant differences in D-SEP latencies or amplitudes between preoperative and postoperative evaluations following inferior pedicle breast reduction. However, LEP data showed significant alterations in latency and amplitude in accordance with clinical examinations.

Conclusions

This study provides the basis for a new approach to selectively investigate painful and thermic sensitivity, which is necessary to find the best technique to preserve breast sensitivity. This study also provides the first objective neurophysiologic evidence of breast sensitivity modifications and introduces a new technique that provides a simple, inexpensive, and dependable investigative tool for breast sensitivity assessment in breast surgery.

Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, CTO-AOUC, University of Florence, Largo Palagi 1, 50134, Florence, Italy

    Tommaso Agostini, Daria Almesberger, Andrea Mori, Alessandro Quattrini Li & Mario Dini

  2. Department of Neurophysiopathology, CTO-AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Giuseppe De Scisciolo & Annalisa Cassardo

  3. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China

    Yi Xin Zhang

  4. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

    Davide Lazzeri

Authors
  1. Tommaso Agostini
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  2. Giuseppe De Scisciolo
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  3. Davide Lazzeri
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  4. Daria Almesberger
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  5. Andrea Mori
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  6. Annalisa Cassardo
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  7. Alessandro Quattrini Li
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  8. Yi Xin Zhang
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  9. Mario Dini
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yi Xin Zhang.

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Agostini, T., De Scisciolo, G., Lazzeri, D. et al. Laser-evoked potentials as a novel tool for sensibility assessment following inferior pedicle breast reduction. Eur J Plast Surg 36, 423–430 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0803-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0803-2

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