Nerve-Sparing Mastectomy Helped Chicago Patients Retain Sensation
A specialized surgical approach reconnects nerves during reconstruction to help preserve feeling in the breast skin.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cancer
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Surgeons at Northwestern Medicine are utilizing a nerve-sparing mastectomy technique that allows patients to potentially retain sensation after tissue removal. This approach is becoming an option for patients undergoing breast reconstruction, with some insurance providers now offering coverage for the procedure.
Why it matters
Preserving nerve integrity during mastectomy can improve long-term quality of life by maintaining skin sensation after breast surgery. This development offers a new consideration for patients who prioritize sensory preservation in their surgical and reconstruction planning.
In a recent clinical observation, 90% of patients reported good to excellent sensation outcomes within one year of their nerve-sparing mastectomy. While 10-15% of eligible patients currently request this option, research is ongoing to assess sensory recovery duration and consistency.
The players
Northwestern Medicine
A Chicago-based academic health system providing advanced surgical, oncological, and reconstructive care.
Melissa Brown
A 45-year-old patient who recently underwent a nerve-sparing mastectomy procedure.
The details
During a nerve-sparing mastectomy, surgeons identify and isolate nerve roots while removing breast tissue to prevent damage. Plastic surgeons then use a graft to connect nerves from the transferred tissue to the patient's chest wall, re-establishing pathways that were previously severed. Following the operation, patients engage in specific exercises designed to stimulate the skin and help re-spark nerve signals to the reconstructed area.
Timeline
In September 2026, patient Melissa Brown underwent a nerve-sparing mastectomy.
Patients typically report their sensation outcomes within one year of the procedure.
Health Landscape
This technique marks a departure from the standard nerve-severing mastectomy technique by attempting to re-establish neural pathways in the chest wall. It represents an evolution in reconstructive oncology that moves beyond aesthetic restoration toward functional sensory preservation.
If you are considering a mastectomy, ask your surgical oncologist whether nerve preservation is a possibility at your facility. It is worth discussing with your doctor how your insurance provider handles coverage for nerve-grafting procedures compared to traditional reconstructive methods.
The takeaway
Nerve-sparing mastectomy is changing the paradigm of breast reconstruction by prioritizing the retention of skin sensation. Patients should consult their medical team early in the surgical planning process to determine if this specialized technique aligns with their individual treatment goals.
Further reading
For more on evolving surgical options, visit our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGN-TV.
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