New Taipei hospital performs breast nerve reconstruction during surgery

新北醫院在手術過程中進行乳房感覺重建術

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A team from Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital performed a breast nerve reconstruction during surgery, helping women rebuild breasts removed due to cancer, CNA reported.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, breast cancer was the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Taiwan last year, with nearly 18,000 new cases annually. Diets high in oil and refined sugar, and low in fiber, are linked to the condition appearing in younger women.

Huang Jung-ju (黃嫆茹), a plastic surgeon at the hospital, said breast cancer treatment can involve partial breast removal. However, women with larger tumors, multiple tumors, or who cannot undergo radiation may need to have the entire breast removed.

Huang noted that removing breast tissue during the removal surgery can lead to numbness and loss of touch and temperature sensation in the operated area.

Since 2019, the hospital has been developing breast nerve reconstruction to restore sensation lost after surgery. Chang Nai-jen (張乃仁), also a plastic surgeon at the hospital, said doctors reconnect the cut nerves to the nipple using the woman’s own rib nerves, allowing feeling to gradually return as the nerves heal.

The hospital added that women who had breast nerve reconstruction reported better satisfaction with appearance and quality of life. Discomfort in the operated area was also reduced.

Breast reconstruction can be done using implants or the woman’s own tissue, including skin, fat, muscle, or blood vessels, Huang said. Using one’s own tissue reduces the risk of rejection and provides a more natural feel.

The breast nerve reconstruction procedure has been published in the International Journal of Surgery, the hospital said. Huang and Chang have also presented their techniques at multiple academic seminars.

Chou Hsu-huan (周旭桓), a surgeon at the hospital, added that fewer than 40% of women in Taiwan undergo breast cancer screening. He urged women to get screened regularly, noting that early detection can prevent full breast removal.