Outcome analysis of breast reconstruction with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps.
OBJECTIVE
With the reduction in breast cancer mortality in recent years the aesthetic outcome after treatment has gained increasing attention. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome quality of our single institution concept of free TRAM flap breast reconstruction with the aim of providing data to assist the patient's decision-making when breast reconstruction is an option. PRINCIPLES/METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients receiving immediate (n = 14) or delayed (n = 18) breast reconstruction with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps were included. The selection of patients was based on their own wish and the availability of abdominal tissue, without excluding patients at risk for wound healing complications. Patient data were assessed prospectively and the aesthetic outcome was rated after the final result had been achieved.


RESULTS
Ten patients sustained wound healing complications (4 of 9 smokers, 8 of 16 patients with a BMI over 25 kg/m2), 8 of them requiring revisional surgery. An average of 1.06 corrective procedures were performed per patient. The aesthetic outcome was judged to be good by 20 patients, fair by 5 and poor by 1 patient who sustained severe tissue loss.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results revealed that a large measure of satisfaction is achievable from breast reconstruction with free TRAM flaps, in spite of the invasive nature of the procedure and the inclusion of patients at risk for wound healing complications. These data may be used in the decision-making process by patients eligible for breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Ziswiler-Gietz
Jacqueline
J
Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Inselspital, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
Makrodimou
Mary
M
Harder
Yves
Y
Banic
Andrej
A
Erni
Dominique
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D050177:Overweight; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000637:transplantation*; D012086:Reoperation; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014945:Wound Healing