Prospective randomized controlled trial of preservation of the intercostobrachial nerve during axillary node clearance for breast cancer

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Abstract
Background: Complications of axillary surgery occur due to severance of the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN). The feasibility and benefit of preserving the ICBN to prevent sensory loss was studied prospectively. Methods: Sensory symptoms and deficits were documented, and shoulder movement and arm circumference were measured at discharge and 3 months later in 120 patients randomized to either preservation or division of the ICBN. Results: Preserving the ICBN was feasible in 39 (65 per cent) of the 60 patients randomized to the preservation group. Preserving the nerve prolonged the procedure by a median of 5 min. No difference in sensory symptoms between the groups was seen at 3 months. At 3 months 53 per cent of patients randomized to ICBN preservation had a sensory deficit compared with 84 per cent of those randomized to ICBN sacrifice (P ≤ 0·05). Conclusion: Preserving the ICBN reduces the incidence of sensory deficit (but not symptoms) in patients after axillary clearance.