title: Mesh assisted direct closure of bilateral TRAM flap donor sites.
abstract: The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap remains a popular choice for patients requesting breast reconstruction. Criticism of all techniques that harvest the rectus abdominis muscle centre on abdominal wall weakness.[Dulin WA, Avila RA, Verheyden CN, Grossman L. Evaluation of abdominal wall strength after TRAM flap surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 2004; 113: 1662-1665] Primary fascial closure of the donor site has been shown to reduce abdominal wall weakness and the subsequent risk of hernia and bulge. [Mizgala CL, Hartrampf CR Jr, Bennett GK. Abdominal function after pedicled TRAM flap surgery. Clin Plast Surg 1994; 21: 255-272]2 Primary fascial closure of all uni-lateral and most bilateral muscle preserving TRAM flap donor sites is possible. In a series of 23 bilateral TRAM flaps, excessive abdominal tension prevented direct fascial closure of the donor site in seven. Using a technique that includes muscle preservation, muscle relaxation and mesh assistance; tensionfree, direct fascial closure was achieved in all. The mesh buttress supports the rectus sheath during closure and provides long term shape and stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK. ppaterson@ntlworld.com
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Sterne
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fatah
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000637:transplantation*; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes