ArticlePlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2026
Breast Sensation After Abdominal Free Flap Reconstruction With or Without Neurotization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Article in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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5 authors.
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Abstract
Background: The effectiveness of neurotization in restoring breast sensation remains unclear due to a lack of high-quality studies and methodological heterogeneity. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies published through 2024 comparing postoperative breast sensation between neurotized and nonneurotized abdominal free flap reconstruction. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO through November 2024. The primary meta-analysis evaluated the effect of neurotization on total breast skin sensation, combining studies regardless of sensory testing method. Sensitivity analyses were performed for studies using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments or the Pressure-Specified Sensory Device. Secondary meta-analyses assessed the impact of neurotization on flap and native breast skin sensation. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for primary and secondary meta-analyses, whereas mean differences (MDs) were used in sensitivity analyses. Results: A total of 563 abdominal free flaps (295 neurotized, 268 nonneurotized) from 9 studies were included. Neurotized reconstructions resulted in a significantly lower pressure threshold for fine sensation in the total breast (SMD: -0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.33 to -0.41]; Conclusions: Flap neurotization significantly improves sensory outcomes following abdominal free flap reconstruction, including total breast, flap, and native skin sensation.
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