TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF PRESERVATION OF THE INTERCOSTOBRACHIAL NERVE DURING AXILLARY DISSECTION FOR BREAST CANCER AT A CANCER INSTITUTE IN CENTRAL INDIA

Background: Breast cancer is a leading malignancy among women worldwide, including in India. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), though crucial for staging and disease control, often leads to postoperative complications like sensory disturbances and chronic neuropathic pain, mainly due to intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) injury. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ICBN preservation during ALND on postoperative sensory decits and pain in patients undergoing modied radical mastectomy for carcinoma breast. This cross-sectional o Methods: bservational study included 50 female breast cancer patients undergoing ALND at a tertiary care center. Patients were divided into two groups based on ICBN preservation. Postoperative sensory status and pain were assessed on day 3, and at 3 and 6 months, using light touch, pinprick tests, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v25.0. Results: ICBN was preserved in 32 patients (64%). Sensory disturbances on postoperative day 3 were signicantly lower in the preserved group (19%) compared to the non-preserved group (78%) (p < 0.001). Though early postoperative pain (VAS >4) was slightly higher in the nonpreserved group (55% vs 44%), the difference was not statistically signicant. At 6-month follow-up, the preserved group had better sensory recovery (90% vs 50%) and pain relief (VAS <4: 88% vs 61%). Prese Conclusion: rving the ICBN during ALND is feasible, signicantly reduces postoperative sensory morbidity, and improves long-term outcomes. The marginal increase in operative time is justied by improved patient quality of life, making ICBN preservation a valuable addition to standard surgical practice.