Immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction after mastectomy.
BACKGROUND
This study examines the early and long-term outcomes of immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy.


METHODS
The records of all patients undergoing mastectomy and immediate TRAM breast reconstruction between December 1989 and October 1993 were reviewed retrospectively using hospital and breast care center databases.


RESULTS
Fifty-three patients underwent a total of 73 immediate TRAM breast reconstructions. Reconstruction was successfully completed in all patients, using 46 pedicle flaps and 27 free tissue transfers. There were no flap losses or cardiopulmonary complications. Overall, the complication rate was 26 percent (29 percent for pedicle TRAM and 22 percent for free TRAM flaps). The median follow-up period among the 53 patients was 22.6 months (range of three to 48 months). All patients employed preoperatively resumed their occupations postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience indicates that immediate TRAM breast reconstruction is a safe and viable option for patients seeking reconstruction at the time of mastectomy.
Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
E G
EG
Wilkins
D A
DA
August
W M
WM
Kuzon
A E
AE
Chang
D J
DJ
Smith
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D015411:Mastectomy, Modified Radical; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000637:transplantation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome