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 & implant
• Can it be used for delayed recon?
• ‘Spare part’ nerve grafting
• Breast sensory nerve reconstruction
• Abdominal nerve preservation:
• Sensory and motor (core muscle strength)
• Things to consider about these techniques
• How can patients find out more about them

 

Links for this pod:

• Dr Cindy Mak’s website
• Dr Cindy’s Instagram
• Dr Joe Dusseldorp’s website
• Dr Joe’s Instagram

 

Where you can find Luan:

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn

 

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.