title: Use of synthetic mesh for the entire abdominal wall after TRAM flap transfer.
abstract: Abdominal wall competence is a major concern of all plastic surgeons using the TRAM flap for breast reconstruction. Low hernia rates and adequate abdominal stability are standard expectations in abdominal wall closure. Described here is this institution's experience with the use of a large piece of synthetic mesh as a supplementary reinforcement for the entire abdominal wall in an attempt to stabilize it and achieve a superior abdominal aesthetic result. Twenty-five consecutive patients had routine reinforcement with the extended mesh technique. Mean patient follow-up was 24 months with a minimum of 1 year. No hernia or mesh-related infection were encountered and only one patient had a lower abdominal bulge. We recommend the use of a large synthetic mesh for improved strength and aesthetic quality of the abdominal wall after TRAM flap breast reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Moscona
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ramon
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Toledano
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barzilay
mesh_terms: D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004954:Esthetics; D005205:Fascia / Q000637:transplantation; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty; D008875:Middle Aged; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011126:Polypropylenes; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D013536:Suture Techniques
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C016674:Plastipore; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011126:Polypropylenes