Accessibility of neurotization in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction: inequities and implications for pre-authorization.

Purpose: Breast anesthesia and hypoesthesia occur commonly after mastectomy and negatively impact quality of life. Neurotization during deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) breast reconstruction offers enhanced sensory recovery. However, access to neurotization for DIEP reconstruction patients has not been evaluated.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction between January 2021 and July 2022 at a tertiary-care, academic institution. Demographics, outcomes, insurance type, and Area Deprivation Index (ADI)were compared using two-sample t-test or Chi-square analysis.

Results: Of the 124 patients who met criteria, 41% had neurotization of their DIEP flaps. There was no difference in history of tobacco use (29% vs 33%), diabetes (14% vs 9.6%), operative time (9.43 hr vs 9.73 hr), length of hospital stay (3 d vs 3 d), hospital readmission (9.8% vs 6.8%), or reoperation (12% vs 12%) between to patients with and without neurotization. However, access to neurotization differed significantly by patient health insurance type. Patients who received neurotization had a lower median ADI percentile of 40.0 indicating higher socioeconomic advantage compared to patients who did not receive neurotization at 59.0 (p=0.01).

Conclusions: Access to neurotization differed significantly by patient health insurance and by ADI percentile. Expanding insurance coverage to cover neurotization is needed to increase equitable access and enhance quality of life for patients who come from disadvantaged communities. Our institution's process for pre-authorization is outlined to enhance likelihood of insurance approval for neurotization.