Feeling & sensation after breast reconstruction

Hear about new techniques being used to try to preserve and restore feeling and sensation in the breast after reconstruction. “That [extra] 20 minutes is this woman’s entire lifetime of [breast] sensation,” A/Prof Cindy Mak. Loss of feeling after a mastectomy and reconstruction is a concern for many women. Luan talks to A/Prof Cindy Mak & Dr Joe Dusseldorp about techniques they’re using to preserve and reconstruct nerves. They also share the results of these surgeries: listen out for my "wow” jaw-drop when Dr Cindy tells us that they’ve observed that temperature sensation is developing after reconstruction. And Dr Joe also tells us – hot off the press! – how he’s using the same nerve reconstruction techniques developed for the breast to help optimise the sensation in the tummy area after DIEP flap surgery. We talk about:Breast sensory nerve preservation:For DIEP, TUG & implantCan it be used for delayed recon?‘Spare part’ nerve graftingBreast sensory nerve reconstructionAbdominal nerve preservation:Sensory and motor (core muscle strength)Things to consider about these techniquesHow can patients find out more about them Links for this pod:Dr Cindy Mak’s websiteDr Cindy’s InstagramDr Joe Dusseldorp’s websiteDr Joe’s Instagram Where you can find Luan:InstagramWebsiteLinkedIn If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636. The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.