Shocking the nerves back to life: electrical zap during mastectomy may restore breast feeling

NCT ID NCT03240900

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Alberta Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether giving a mild electrical stimulation to the nerves during mastectomy surgery can help restore sensation to the breast and nipple. Thirty women having both breasts removed and reconstructed will receive the stimulation on one breast only, and their sensation will be tested over two years. The goal is to reduce the numbness that often follows this type of surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Electrical stimulation device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a way to restore feeling in the breast and nipple after mastectomy, reducing numbness and risk of injury.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study with only 30 participants. The treatment is applied during surgery and may not produce lasting or meaningful sensation for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MAMMAPLASTY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Misericordia Hospital

Edmonton, Alberta, T5R4H5, Canada
University of Alberta Hospital

Edmonton, Alberta, T5R2E1, Canada

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