ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This is the report on the results of 150 consecutive cases of delayed postmastectomy reconstruction with TRAM flap performed by single surgeon. The purpose of this study is to review the merits, demerits and other considerations of this method by analyzing the results. METHODS: 150 patients were reviewed retrospectively who had breast reconstruction by a single surgeon from July 2001 to July 2008. Reviewed factors include demographic factors, mastectomy method, adjuvant therapies (such as radiation, chemotherapy) complication rate, simultaneous contralateral breast procedure rate, secondary touch-up procedure rate, and patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: Ovarall TRAM flap complication rate was 22.6%. Among them, donor site complication rate was 36%, simultaneous contralateral breast procedure rate was 44.6%, secondary touch-up procedure rate was 40%. All rates were higher compared to immediate reconstruction with TRAM flap. But the patients' satisfaction was about the same as immediate reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Delayed postmastectomy reconstruction with TRAM flap can yield satisfactory results despite of relatively high complication rate and concomitant procedure rate when it is performed by a experienced surgeon.