Table 6.
Surgical Intervention Studies
| Reference | Procedure | Intervention | Follow-up (mo), Avg (Range) | Outcome measures | Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon et al., 199855 | Mastectomy or conservative breast cancer surgery | Preservation of ICBN | 16 (10, 22) | Presence of pain or sensitivity in region of the ICBN | ICBN preservation had no effect on pain. |
| Torresan et al., 200751 | Axillary lymphadenectomy | Preservation of ICBN | 3 | Presence, intensity and type of sensitivity deficits and pain | ICBN preservation decreased incidence of anesthesia, hypoesthesia or hyperesthesia (P < 0.01). |
| Freeman et al., 200353 | Breast cancer surgery | Preservation of ICBN | 36 (32-38) | Sensation for light touch, presence of neuromas | Preservation of ICBN had no effect on pain. |
| Taira et al., 201454 | Breast cancer surgery | Preservation of ICBN | 24 | Presence of dysesthesia, paresthesia and pain sensation in upper arm, health related QOL (FACT-B) | Preservation of ICBN had no effect on incidence or severity of pain compared to dissection. |
| Yang et al., 201252 | Total mastectomy | Spray of HA-CMC gel onto surface of pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles | 6 | Presence of motion-related pain and intensity of pain (NRS), DASH questionnaire | HA-CMC decreases pain intensity related to flexion (P < 0.001) and abduction (P = 0.034) compared to control. |
| Tasmuth et al., 199950 | Unilateral breast cancer surgery with axillary clearance | High-volume surgical units (HVU) vs. small-volume units (LVU) | 12 | Presence of pain, pain intensity (VAS, Finnish MPQ), interference with sleep | Patients in LVU had higher incidence of chronic pain (P < 0.05). |
ICBN - Intercostal-brachial nerve
QOL – Quality of life
FACT-B – Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast
NRS – Numerical rating scale
DASH – Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand
VAS – Visual analogue scale
MPQ- McGill Pain Questionnaire