Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Sensory Outcome, Development of Chronic Pain and Phantom Pain, as Well as Patient Satisfaction in Cancer and Transgender Patients Undergoing Mastectomy and Reconstruction With and Without Reinnervation.
During breast surgery, sensory nerves are cut which may lead to reduced sensation and pain. Surgical reinnervation techniques have been developed with the aim of improving postoperative sensation by preserving the nerves and connecting them to the nipple and areola. The investigators aim to compare postoperative sensation and patient reported outcomes in patients undergoing reinnervation versus those not undergoing reinnervation to determine if there is a difference. The investigators will investigate this in patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy, implant-based breast reconstruction and autologous breast reconstruction. The investigators will use various tools that measure sensation quantitatively.
• Age over 18
• Patient is scheduled for gender mastectomy surgery (including nipple sparing mastectomy and mastectomy with free nipple graft) or NSM with breast implant or autologous reconstruction
• Patient is capable and willing to provide informed consent