Anatomical basis for sensory preservation in robotic mastectomy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sensory preservation of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is crucial for physical, psychological, and sexual health after mastectomy. Robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy (rNSM) techniques have shown promise in preserving NAC sensation, but there is limited detailed anatomical evidence supporting this observation. The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomical pathways and variability of sensory nerves innervating the NAC, particularly focusing on implications for the development of improved nerve-preserving techniques during breast surgery.

Methods

A cadaveric anatomical study on three adult female cadaveric donors (six breasts) was undertaken, which was complemented by a systematic review of the existing literature using a modified PRISMA approach

SUBMITTER: Holley HA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12624855 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature