Extended skin island delay of the unipedicle TRAM flap: experience in 35 patients.
A technique to surgically delay a single-pedicle TRAM flap is described. This extended skin island delay essentially divides the unipedicle TRAM flap into two stages separated by 1 week. Experience with this flap in 35 patients is reported. On the basis of this experience, we believe that the extended skin island delayed TRAM flap should be considered a safe and reliable alternative to double muscle pedicle and free tissue transfer in high-risk patients.
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D005218:Fat Necrosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*