Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange recently made a significant advancement in postmastectomy care. Surgical oncologist Maher Gobran, MD, and plastic/reconstructive surgeon Linda Zeineh, MD, completed the hospital’s first two breast neurotization procedures with the Resensation® surgical technique.
While a mastectomy can be a lifesaving procedure, the necessary removal of breast tissue involves cutting nerves—typically leading to a permanent loss of sensation. This absence of feeling can significantly impact a patient's physical and psychological well-being.
“Restoring breast sensation after mastectomy can play an important role in reducing the emotional and physical impact of surgery and promoting faster recovery,” says Dr. Gobran.
The focus of breast reconstruction has been primarily on restoring the physical appearance of the breasts after mastectomy. With Resensation, doctors can also restore a lost sense of feeling, helping patients feel more like themselves.
“It is exciting that we can help improve our patients' quality of life in this way,” says Dr. Zeineh.
The Resensation technique allows plastic surgeons to reconnect nerves cut during a mastectomy using a nerve allograft transplantation. Over time the nerve fibers regenerate, gradually growing through the graft to potentially restore sensation to the breasts.
A two-surgeon, collaborative approach is best for the breast neurotization procedure, with both physicians playing critical roles. At Providence St. Joseph, Dr. Gobran performs the mastectomy and carefully identifies and preserves as much of the sensory nerve length as possible. Then Dr. Zeineh reconnects the nerve and completes the breast reconstruction.
Resensation may be suitable for patients undergoing mastectomies for preventive purposes or for breast cancer treatment. The procedure can be performed as part of immediate or delayed reconstruction in patients considering implant-based reconstruction and flap reconstruction. It may also be available for patients who desire a flat chest appearance (aesthetic flat closure). Tumor size and location and overall treatment plans are carefully considered by the surgeon team when evaluating patients’ candidacy, along with timing and type of reconstruction planned.
Breast neurotization with Resensation is changing the future of mastectomies and breast reconstruction. As one of the few hospitals in the area to offer this transformative procedure, Providence St. Joseph is proud to be at the forefront of this medical advancement. It is another way the hospital continues to push the boundaries of medical innovation and set the bar high for expert, compassionate care.
