ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the availability and strategy of breast reconstruction for patients with caesarotomy scar using pedicled TRAM flap.Methods From January 2007 to May 2011,12 cases of breast reconstruction with caesarotomy scar were carried out with pedicled TRAM flaps.All the patients that were classified as the class Ⅱ that was 0.5 or less by score were operated on by using the inverted trapezoid incision,of which the upper edge was 2 or 3 cm down to the umbilicus.Double pedicles were adopted for the patient with the longest vertical scar; single pedicle of the breast contralateral side and the muscle sheath of the breast ipsilateral side were harvested for the rest of the patients.A synthetic mesh was used for the enforcement of the muscle and sheath defect.Results No flap necrosis or abdominal complications were observed.With the follow-up from 3 months to 4 years and 4 months,the overall satisfactory rate was 100 ％.Conclusions The strict patient selection and the operating strategy are the keys to the successful breast reconstruction for patients with caesarotomy scar using pedicled TRAM flap.