ABSTRACT
Objective To study the clinical value of preserving intercostobrachial nerve(ICBN) during axillary lymph node dissection.Methods The clinical data of 146 cases of operated breast cancer of stage Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲa were analyzed.All cases were divided into twe groups randomly:preserved group(n=67) preserved ICBN in axillary lymph node dissection operation;control group(n=79) resected ICBN regulary in the operations.The number of lymph node dissection and the incidence of abnormal sense on the skin of inside upper arm were compared between groups.Results In one month,three months and six months followed up:the incidence of ahnormal sense on the skin of inside upper arm was 17.9%,11.9%,7.4% in preserved group,which was lower than that (74.9%,60.7%,59.5%) in control group significantly (P＜0.01).The diflrence between the two groups was significant.No local recurrence was occurred after opreations from eight months to five years examined.It was none difference that period of operation and the number of lymph node dissection between the groups.Conclusions Preserving ICBN in axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer of stage Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲa could decrease the incidence of abnormal sence on the skin of inside upper arm.It eouldnt increase the incidence of local recurrence.It can improve the life quality of the patients after operations.