[Feasibility study of preserving intercostobrachial nerve during dissection for breast carcinoma: evidences from a preliminary pathologic exploration].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of preservation of intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) in breast cancer. METHODS: During June 2004 to June 2006, 99 patients with operable breast cancer receiving an axillary lymph node dissection at our department were analyzed. The extirpated ICBN and ambient tissues were tested by HE staining to observe the pathological changes. RESULTS: In 96 (96.97%) cases with ICBN sacrificing, the nerves were not violated microscopically and the nerve cells remained intact. Of 28 patients with axillary lymphadenectasis, only 3 cases (10.71%) were found to have tumor emboli in the peri-neural vessels. CONCLUSION: The preservation of ICBN is a feasible and safe technique. The operative approach should be advocated. If at all possible, a surgeon should identify ICBN and preserve it.