Outcome analysis of breast reconstruction with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps

Ziswiler-Gietz, Jacqueline; Makrodimou, Mary; Harder, Yves; Banic, Andrej; Erni, Dominique (2008). Outcome analysis of breast reconstruction with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps. Swiss medical weekly, 138(7-8), pp. 114-120. Muttenz: EMH Schweizerischer Ärzteverlag

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QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: 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.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Department of Orthopaedic, Plastic and Hand Surgery (DOPH) > Clinic of Plastic and Hand Surgery > Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

UniBE Contributor:

Harder, Yves, Banic, Andrej, Erni, Dominique

ISSN:

1424-7860

ISBN:

18293121

Publisher:

EMH Schweizerischer Ärzteverlag

Language:

English

Submitter:

Factscience Import

Date Deposited:

04 Oct 2013 15:04

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:19

PubMed ID:

18293121

Web of Science ID:

000253600700005

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.28011

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/28011 (FactScience: 115621)

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