RESUMO
Objective: To discuss the value of preserving ICBN during modified radical mastectomy for breast neoplasms. Methods: Sixty-three cases of breast carcinoma who underwent modified radical mastecto-my were studied. Of them, ICBN was completely preserved in 33 cases and was dissected in 30 cases. Sen-sory function of the medial upper arm of all patients was followed up after surgery. Results: No local recur-rence or metastasis was found among the 63 patients during the first, sixth, and twelveth month of follow-up period. Among the 33 cases with ICBN reserved, 29 cases (87.88%) had normal sensation of the skin in up-per medial arm and axilla, while 4 cases (12.12%) had paresthesia. Conclsion: Preserving ICBN can en-hance the quality of life of breast cancer patients after surgery.