Reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo musculocutáneo de recto abdominal con isla transversa de piel (TRAM): experiencia de 12 años en Hospital El Pino / Breast reconstruction with musculocutaneous flap of abdominal rectus with transverse skin island (TRAM): 12 years of experience at Hospital El Pino

Objetivos: Analizar los resultados de reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo musculocutáneo de recto abdominal con isla transversa de piel (TRAM) en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital El Pino. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes sometidas a mastectomía por cáncer de mama y posterior reconstrucción con colgajo TRAM pediculado en los últimos 12 años (2005-2017). Resultados: Se realizaron 12 reconstrucciones mamarias, 6 fueron con colgajo TRAM pediculado. La mayoría de las pacientes recibieron tratamiento adyuvante con radioterapia (1 caso), quimioterapia (1 caso), quimioterapia + radioterapia (2 casos). El tiempo transcurrido entre la mastectomía y reconstrucción mamaria fue en promedio de 2,5 años. Se produjeron 4 complicaciones (66,7%) que necesitaron reintervención: hematoma posoperatorio precoz, infección y necrosis grasas de colgajo, dehiscencia de sutura abdominal, necrosis grasa + fibrosis de colgajo TRAM. La evaluación de los resultados fue subjetiva obteniéndose muy buenos resultados en el 66,7% de los casos. No hubo complicaciones en sitio donante. Discusión: El colgajo TRAM pediculado es el tejido autólogo más utilizado en reconstrucción mamaria. Su tasa de complicación es de 26% muy por debajo a lo obtenido en nuestra experiencia. Las principales complicaciones son fibrosis y necrosis grasa de colgajo, pérdida de colgajo, seroma e infección siendo la necrosis grasa la más frecuente en nuestra serie. El uso de colgajo TRAM otorga mayor satisfacción con apariencia, tamaño y sensación del seno. Debido a los resultados obtenidos creemos que el colgajo TRAM pediculado es una excelente alternativa de reconstrucción mamaria en nuestro hospital.

Objectives: To analyze the results of breast reconstruction with musculocutaneous flap of the rectus abdominis with transverse skin island (TRAM) in the Service of Surgery of El Pino Hospital. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer and subsequent reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap in the last 12 years (2005-2017). Results: 12 mammary reconstructions were performed, 6 were with pedicled TRAM flap. The majority of patients received adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy (1 case), chemotherapy (1 case), chemotherapy + radiotherapy (2 cases). The time elapsed between the mastectomy and breast reconstruction was on average 2.5 years. There were 4 complications (66.7%) that required reintervention: early postoperative hematoma, infection and flap fat necrosis, abdominal suture dehiscence, fat necrosis + TRAM flap fibrosis. The evaluation of the results was subjective, obtaining very good results in 66.7% of the cases. There were no complications in the donor site. Discussion: The pedicled TRAM flap is the most used autologous tissue in breast reconstruction. Its complication rate is 26%, much lower than that obtained in our experience. The main complications are fibrosis and flap fat necrosis, flap loss, seroma and infection, with fat necrosis being the most frequent in our series. The use of TRAM flap gives greater satisfaction with appearance, size and sensation of the breast. Due to the results obtained, we believe that the pedicled TRAM flap is an excellent alternative for breast reconstruction in our hospital.

Immediate simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) free flap and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) pedicled flap

Breast reconstructive surgery has evolved tremendously since its inception. Following tumour clearance surgery, physical restoration with breast reconstruction is an important aspect of physical and emotional rehabilitation. Various methods have been described to suit patients demand for the best aesthetic outcome. Surgeon’s preference, experience and practicality of differing procedures must be considered. We describe a simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with free deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) flap and pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap immediately post mastectomies for bilateral breast cancers. The surgery described has resulted in a reasonable technical ease, acceptable flap and abdominal morbidity and good aesthetic outcome.

Reparação da parede abdominal com tela dupla de polipropileno e poliglecaprone pós-retalho TRAM em reconstrução mamária / Abdominal wall repair with double-mesh polypropylene/ polyglecaprone after TRAM flap surgery for breast reconstruction

INTRODUÇÃO: A reparação da parede abdominal após reconstrução mamária com retalho TRAM representa um desafio para o cirurgião, ainda sem consenso na literatura em relação à melhor técnica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência da tela Ultrapro® em dois planos anatômicos distintos para reparação da parede abdominal pós-retalho TRAM. MÉTODO: Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado por meio da revisão de prontuários de 24 pacientes submetidas à reconstrução de mama com retalho TRAM pediculado e reparo da área doadora abdominal com tela dupla de polipropileno e poliglecaprone - Ultrapro® pela Divisão de Cirurgia Plástica do HCFMRP-USP. Foram avaliados fatores de risco para hérnias ou abaulamentos abdominais, momento da reconstrução de mama; complicações pós-operatórias, incluindo hérnias ou abaulamentos abdominais, e tempo de seguimento pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Do total de 24 pacientes com idade média de 51 anos, 10 (41,6%) apresentavam alguma comorbidade. Em 95,8% das pacientes a reconstrução mamária foi tardia e o retalho TRAM foi unipediculado em 58,4% dos casos. As complicações pós-operatórias mais frequentes foram deiscência de sutura (25%) e seroma (21%). Duas pacientes (8,4%) tiveram diagnóstico de hérnia abdominal e três pacientes (12,5%) apresentaram abaulamento abdominal. O tempo de seguimento pós-operatório variou de 5 a 48 meses (média 23,4 meses, DP: 13,28). CONCLUSÃO: O uso da tela híbrida Ultrapro® em dois planos anatômicos demonstrou ser mais uma alternativa para o reparo da parede abdominal pós retalho TRAM em reconstrução mamária, com baixa morbidade da área doadora abdominal e índices de complicações semelhantes aos dados da literatura.

INTRODUCTION: The repair of the abdominal wall after breast reconstruction with a transverse rectus myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a challenge for the surgeon, and there is still no consensus in the literature about which is the best technique. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of the Ultrapro® mesh in two different anatomical planes for the repair of the abdominal wall after TRAM flap surgery. METHOD: This is a retrospective study conducted through a medical records review of 24 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with a pedicle TRAM flap, and repair of abdominal donor site with a dual mesh of polypropylene and polyglecaprone - Ultrapro, at the Plastic Surgery Division of the Clinics Hospital of the Medicine Faculty of Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo. We evaluated the risk factors for abdominal hernias or bulges, time of breast reconstruction, postoperative complications (including abdominal hernias or bulges), and postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients with a mean age of 51 years, 10 (41.6%) had a comorbidity. In 95.8% of the patients, breast reconstruction was late; the TRAM flap was a single pedicle in 58.4% of cases. The most frequent postoperative complications were suture dehiscence (25%) and seroma (21%). Two patients (8.4%) were found to have abdominal hernia, and three patients (12.5%) had abdominal bulging. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 5 to 48 months (average, 23.4 months, SD = 13.28). CONCLUSION: The use of the Ultrapro hybrid mesh at two anatomical planes proved to be an alternative for the repair of the abdominal wall after TRAM flap surgery for breast reconstruction, with low morbidity of the abdominal donor site and complication rates similar to literature data.

Delay Phenomenon by Botulinum Toxin A in Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) Flap of Rat

Currently, delay procedures remain a reliable method of maximizing flap survival but the necessity of additional procedures is a persistent disadvantage. Botulinum toxin A (BTXA) is considered to exert the most powerful neuromuscular blockade. In this study, BTXA is used to demonstrate the usefulness of a chemical delay technique. Thirty rats were subdivided into three groups of 10. In the group 1(control), no procedure was performed before the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap elevation. In the group 2 (surgical delay), TRAM flaps were delayed surgically one week before formal elevation. And, in the group 3 (BTXA delay) rats, 4U BTXA was injected into the under surface of TRAM flaps two weeks before surgical elevation. The TRAM flaps were designed in rectangular shape, on the rat abdomen. On the seventh day after operation, the results were evaluated and compared in terms of flap survival area, vessel counts and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The mean percentages of the flap survival area in group 2 (71.76+/-.86%) and group 3 (73.92+/-.70%) were significantly higher than those in group 1 (34.60+/-.14%) (p<0.05). The vessel counts of group 2 (13.90+/-.18) and group 3 (15.40+/-.88%) were significantly higher than those of group 1 (5.10+/-.20) (p<0.05). The VEGF expression is increased in two experimental groups than in the control group. In conclusion, the injection of BTXA could increase flap survival area in rat TRAM flap model, as likely as surgical delay. These results are thought to be made due to the effect of chemodenervation and secondary inflammation.

Spiral CT localization of the point where superior epigastric artery perforates rectus abdominis muscle / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To locate the points where the superior epigastric artery perforates the rectus abdominis muscle by using the spiral CT,in order to evaluate its control on abdominal complications after breast reconstruction.Methods Fifty cases had received abdominal spiral CT angiography,respectively.Then the coordinate system was established,with the umbilicus as the origin,the umbilicus horizontal line as X axis,vertical umbilical level line as Y axis.The point where superior epigastric artery perforates the rectus abdominis muscle in the coordinate system was located as described above.Results There were 392 perforating points in the rectus abdominis muscle in all 50 cases,with a mean of 7.84 perforators per patient.In the first quadrant,the points where superior epigastric artery perforate the rectus abdominis muscle were located in the range from 1.45 cm to 5.47 cm on the X axis,and in the range from 2.52 cm to 16.38 cm on the Y axis,respectively.In the second quadrant,the points where superior epigastric artery perforates the rectus abdominis muscle were located in the range from 2.02 cm to 6.80 cm on the X axis,and in the range from 2.30 cm to 14.46 cm on the Y axis,respectively.Conclusions The spiral CT angiography has high sensitivity and specificity,it can locate the point where the superior epigastric artery perforates the rectus abdominis muscle,which can avoid to cut extra rectus abdominis muscle.It is significant to reach best postoperative effect with the lowest donor site complications.

Complications of breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM and LDF: a Meta analysis / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To analyze the complications of breast reconstruction with pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (TRAM flap) and latissimus dorsi flap (LDF).Methods From databases such as CNKI,SinoMed,PubMed,VIP and Cochrane Library and manual search of articles on breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM and LDF from 1992 to 2002 for the language of both Chinese and English,1493 cases were collected.47 cases were selected after they all were inspected by the excluded and included standards.RevMan 5.0 software was used to perform the Mantele-Haenszel fixed effect model.Results Ten studies reporting outcomes of pedicled TRAM and LDF were used to estimate relative risk (RR) and 95 ％ confidence interval (CI) for complications.There was a 1.7 times increase in the risk of partial flap necrosis (relative risk,1.72; 95 ％ CI,1.02to 2.88) in pedicled TRAM flap patients compared with LDF patients.There was no difference in the risk for fat necrosis (relative risk,1.01; 95 ％ CI,0.60 to 1.72) and total flap loss (relative risk,2.13; 95 ％ CI,0.82 to 5.54) between pedicled TRAM flap and LDF patients (P＞0.05).Conclusions Compared with the pedicled TRAM flap,partial flap loss risk of breast reconstruction with LDF is lower,and the risk of fat necrosis and total flap loss have no statistical difference (P＞0.05).

Reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo TRAM pediculado / Breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap

The pedicle transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (TRAM) is widely used for breast reconstruction, however is not exempt from complications. Between 2004 and 2010 the authors performed breast reconstruction after total mastectomy in 52 patients with pedicled TRAM flaps. Purpose: To describe the demography, outcomes and complications in patients operated for breast cancer and reconstructed with TRAM flap. To assess the influence of smoking, the laterality and timing of reconstruction. Material and Method: Retrospective, observational and comparative. We reviewed the medical records of 52 patients operated by the authors between 2004 and 2010. Four cases were excluded due to incomplete data. Results: In the 48 patients studied were 50 TRAM flaps. The most frequent comorbidity was smoking (27 percent). Regarding the timing of reconstruction, 74 percent (37) was performed immediately post-mastectomy and 26 percent (13) was deferred. Was used by 78 percent (39) ipsilateral TRAM, 18 percent (9) contralateral and 4 percent (2) bilateral. Only minor complications were observed and the cosmetic result evaluated by the surgeon's satisfaction was very good or excellent in 62 percent (31). Smoking, timing of reconstruction and laterality did not affect in complications or cosmetic outcome (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The pedicled TRAM flap is an excellent alternative for reconstruction in breast cancer patients. It is not exempt from complications, with a tendency to get better cosmetic results in the non-smoker group.

El colgajo de recto abdominal con isla transversal de piel infraumbilical (TRAM) pediculado es ampliamente utilizado para la reconstrucción mamaria, sin embargo, no está exento de complicaciones. Entre los años 2004 y 2010 los autores realizaron reconstrucción mamaria post-mastectomía total en 52 pacientes con colgajos TRAM pediculados. Objetivo: Describir la demografía, resultados y complicaciones de las pacientes operadas por cáncer de mama y reconstruidas con colgajo TRAM. Evaluar la influencia del tabaquismo, la lateralidad y el momento de la reconstrucción en dichos resultados. Material y Método: Diseño retrospectivo, observacional y comparativo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de las 52 pacientes operadas por los autores entre los años 2004-2010. Se excluyeron 4 casos por datos incompletos. Resultados: En las 48 pacientes estudiadas se realizaron 50 colgajos TRAM. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue el tabaquismo (27 por ciento). La reconstrucción se realizó en un 74 por ciento (37) de manera inmediata postmastectomía y en un 26 por ciento (13) fue diferido. Se utilizó en un 78 por ciento (39) TRAM ipsilateral, 18 por ciento (9) contralateral y 4 por ciento (2) bilateral. Sólo se observaron complicaciones menores; el resultado estético evaluado por la satisfacción del cirujano fue muy bueno o excelente en un 62 por ciento (31). El tabaquismo, momento de la reconstrucción y la lateralidad no influyeron en las complicaciones ni en el resultado estético (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: El colgajo TRAM pediculado es una excelente alternativa de reconstrucción en pacientes mastectomizadas. No está exento de complicaciones, con una tendencia a obtener mejores resultados estéticos en el grupo no fumador.

Strategy of breast reconstruction for patients with caesarotomy scar using pedicled TRAM flap / 中华医学美学美容杂志

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.

Absence of Linea Alba in Breast Reconstruction with Pedicled TRAM Flap: A Case Report

PURPOSE: The anatomical anomaly of the rectus abdominis muscle and it's fascia is very rare. No case of the absence of the linea alba below the umbilicus has yet been reported. During breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap, we experienced one case of absence of linea alba. METHODS: The patient was a 38-years old female who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap after Right modified radical mastectomy in June 2010. While the TRAM flap was being elevated, bilateral twitching of the rectus abdominis muscle occurred when electrocautery was applied, and we found the absence of the linea alba below the umbilicus. RESULTS: When the rectus abdominis muscle was exposed, the linea alba below the umbilicus was not observed, and the bilateral rectus abdominis muscle was indistinguishably fused in a gross observation. In addition, bilateral twitching of rectus abdominis muscle was simultaneously observed as one muscle unit when electrocautery was applied. As with both rectus abdominis muscles was bluntly dissected with scissors, the scanty fatty tissues were observed between the both rectus muscles, and the bilateral rectus abdominis muscle was easily separated. The flap was transposed into the corresponding defect to make breast mound. Midline fascia was fixed to the posterior rectus sheath to reconstruct smilar anatomic linea alba. Abdominal defect was reinforced by suturing between remaining anterior rectus sheath. CONCLUSION: As the unexpected anatomical anomaly may affect the operation outcome, surgeons should be careful when they unexpectedly encounter the anatomical anomaly during an operation. Here, we report a rare case of absence of the linea alba seen at the time of pedicled TRAM flap elevation for breast reconstruction.

Small Bowel Strangulation after Free TRAM Breast Reconstruction in Post-hysterectomy Patient: A Case Report

PURPOSE: The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is currently the most commonly used donor site of immediate and delayed breast reconstruction surgery, for its versatility and ease of handling, as well as sufficient blood supply. Despite many advantages of rectus abdominis flap, morbidity of donor site is considered as inevitable shortcoming. The authors recently faced a devastating complication, small bowel obstruction that led to strangulation, after delayed breast reconstruction with free transverses rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. And we would like to report it, because abdominal pain after TRAM flap is a common symptom and can be overlooked easily. METHODS: A 56-year-old female patient who had history of receiving total abdominal hysterectomy 20 years ago underwent delayed breast reconstruction with TRAM flap transfer. She complained abdominal discomfort and pain from third postoperative day, postoperative small bowel obstruction that arose from strangulated bowel and prompt emergency operation was done. RESULTS: After resection of the strangulated bowel and reanastomosis, quickly her symptoms were relieved, and there were no further problems during her hospital stay. 7 days after her emergency operation she was discharged. CONCLUSION: In patients with previous abdominal surgical history, prolonged ileus can lead to bowel strangulation, so surgeons should always consider the possibility, and must be aware of abdominal symptoms in patients who receive free TRAM flap operations.

150 Consecutive Cases of Delayed Post Mastectomy Reconstruction with TRAM Flap and Results

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.

Supercharged Technique in TRAM flap Breast Reconstruction

PURPOSE: When reconstruction for patients who have the large contralateral breast or a following large defect after mastectomy is required, conventional pedicled TRAM flap shows the unpredictable occurrence of fat necrosis and skin flap loss in a relatively high percentage due to insufficient blood supply. In an effort to obtain more stable TRAM flap blood circulation, we have performed a supercharged technique using deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP) with conventional pedicled TRAM flap. METHODS: From September of 2006 to December of 2008, Fourteen supercharged TRAM flap were performed for breast reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy. The contralateral DIEP was anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels in contralateral pedicled TRAM flap or thoracodorsal vessels in ipsilateral pedicled TRAM flap. Nutrient vessels were selected by Multi-Detector Computed tomography (MD-CT) modalities. For the nutrient vessel, we used deep inferior epigastric vessels (DIEV) of the ipsilateral side in 8 patients, DIEV of the contralateral side in 6 patients. In addition, for the recipient vessel, we used thoracodorsal vessels in 8 patients, internal mammary vessels in 5 patients, intercostals artery perforators in 1 patient. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.8 years and the average follow-up interval was 14 months. There were 11 immediate and 3 delayed breast reconstructions. Fat necrosis incidence rate in supercharged TRAM group was lower than in conventional TRAM flap group. There were no differences of the incidences of abdominal hernia in both groups. CONCLUSION: The supercharged TRAM flap produces an improvement in vascularity that permits use of all four zones of the flap. The breast reconstruction with supercharged technique is reliable and valuable methods which provide sufficient soft tissue from abdomen without significant complications.

Concomitant or Delayed Intra-abdominal Operation in Immediate Breast Reconstruction with TRAM Flap

PURPOSE: As patients who take immediate breast reconstructions with TRAM flap have increased, concomitant or delayed other elective intra-abdominal operations in these patients also have increased. There are few reports of concomitant or delayed intra-abdominal operation in TRAM flap patients. We report our experiences and outcomes of these operations which is safe and feasible. METHODS: We reviewed the charts and postoperative follow-up results of 11 patients among 471 consecutive patients who took immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM flap from December of 2002 to September of 2006. Four patients took concomitant intra-abdominal operation and 7 patients took delayed intra-abdominal operation between 1 to 52 months after TRAM flap RESULTS: There were no significant postoperative abdominal and systemic complications. One patient who took concomitant intra-abdominal operation presented partial skin necrosis of abdomen, but recovered completely with conservative treatments. Two patients took transfusion in peri-operative periods. CONCLUSION: Concomitant or delayed intra-abdominal operation in immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM flap could be performed safely and feasibly when it is necessary. Furthermore, it could be helpful to patients and surgeons.

Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Secondary Breast Reconstruction after Partial TRAM Flap Loss

PURPOSE: The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap is the most commonly used autogenous tissue flap for breast reconstruction. Postoperatively, partial flap loss or fat necrosis are relatively common and it may result in a smaller breast volume with marked contour irregularities. These defects are not easy to reconstruct with local tissue rearrangement or with breast implants. The current authors present the results of 2 patients who underwent Latissimus dorsi(LD) flap reconstruction to correct partial flap or fat necrosis that developed after TRAM flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: Case1: A 50-year-old woman with left breast cancer visited for breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy. Initially, breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM was performed. Postoperatively partial flap necrosis was developed. Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap was done. Case2: A 51-year-old woman with left breast cancer visited for breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy. Initially, breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM was performed. Postoperatively fat necrosis was developed. Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap was done. RESULTS: Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap survived completely and produce successful reconstruction. There was no significant complication in both patients. CONCLUSION: LD flap provides sufficient, vascularized skin and soft tissue. The flap can be molded easily to replace deficient tissue in all areas of the breast. These attributes make it an ideal candidate for salvage of the partially failed TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Clinical Experience of Three-dimensional Reconstruction Using Free TRAM Flap after Total Maxillectomy with Orbital Exenteration

PURPOSE: Extensive midface defect following total maxillectomy with orbital exenteration and cheek skin resection should be three dimensionally reconstructed with a large flap that have a sufficient volume of tissue and multiple skin islands. We describe our transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) free flap with three skin islands which was successfully used in this situation. METHODS: A 58-year-old man was performed enbloc total maxillectomy including orbital contents and wide cheek skin because of invasive maxillary squamous cell carcinoma. He was immediately reconstructed with TRAM flap that was designed not vertical but transverse fashion for providing sufficient skin area. Also, deepithelialization procedure making for multiple skin islands was done in flap insetting period when appropriate modification according to the intraoperative situation was possible. Dead space was completely obliterated by bulky muscular tissue, and three skin islands were used for lining of lateral nasal wall, palatal surface, and cheek skin restoration. RESULTS: Postoperative course was satisfying. Maintaining of proper ipsilateral nasal airway, loss of rhinolalia and oronasal regurgitation of food particles, and restoration of cheek contour were successfully obtained. CONCLUSION: We report clinical experience of threedimensional reconstruction using free TRAM flap after total maxillectomy with orbital exenteration.

Breast Reconstruction with Pedicled TRAM Flap in Patients Having History of Abdominal Liposuction: Report of 2 Cases

PURPOSE: TRAM flap reconstruction has settled down as a common method for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. There are a few surgical contraindication in TRAM flap surgery. Previous abdominal liposuction has been a relative contraindication in TRAM flap surgery. The authors present 2 patients of successful breast reconstruction using pedicled TRAM flaps, who previously underwent abdominal liposuction. METHODS: Case 1: A 48-year-old woman with a right breast cancer visited for mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Her past surgical history was notable for abdominal liposuction 15 years ago. Skin sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction with a pedicled TRAM flap was performed. Case 2: A 45-year-old woman with a left breast cancer visited us for mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction. 3 years ago, she had an abdominal liposuction and augmentation mammaplasty in other hospital. Nipple sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction was done using pedicled TRAM flap. RESULTS: One year after the reconstruction, partial fat necrosis was developed in one case but there was no skin necrosis or donor site complication in both patients. CONCLUSION: As aesthetic surgery becomes more popular, increasing numbers of patients who have a prior abdominal liposuction history want for autologous tissue breast reconstruction. In these patients, TRAM flap surgery will be also used for breast reconstruction. But, the warning of fat necrosis and the use of preoperative Doppler tracing to evaluate the abdominal perforator may be beneficial to patients who had abdominal liposuction recently.

Selection of Recipient Vessels in Delayed Breast Reconstruction with Free TRAM Flap

PURPOSE: The selection of the recipient vessels in breast reconstruction has a great influence on the surgical result and the shape of the reconstructed breast. We would like to introduce the criteria for the selection of recipient vessels in delayed reconstruction of the breast. METHODS: We studied 56 patients with delayed breast reconstruction using free TRAM flaps from April 1994 to December 2006. The thoracodorsal and the ipsilateral internal mammary vessels were used as recipients in 25 patients each, the opposite internal mammary vessels in 3 patients, the thoracoacromial vessels in 2 patients, and the transverse cervical artery with the cephalic vein in 1 patient. The survival rate of the flaps, the vessel diameter, the length of the pedicles, and the convenience of vessel dissection were studied. RESULTS: The diameter of the recipient vessel did not influence the anastomosis. The operation time, the survival rate of flap, the postoperative complications showed no significant difference according to the recipient vessel. Dissection of the thoracodorsal vessels was tedious due to scar formation from the prior operation. Dissection of the internal mammary vessels proved to be relatively easy, and the required length of the pedicle was shorter than any other site, but the need for removal of rib cartilage makes this procedure inconvenient. CONCLUSION: The first choice of the recipient vessel in immediate breast reconstruction is the thoracodorsal vessels, but in cases of delayed reconstruction the internal mammary vessels are favored as the first choice, because the thoracodorsal vessels have a high unusability rate. If the ipsilateral internal mammary vessels prove to be useless, the contralateral vessels can be used. The thoracoacromial vessels are useful, when the mastectomy scar is located in the upper portion. The transverse cervical artery and the cephalic vein can serve as the last resort, if all other vessels are unreliable.

The Expression of CD 18 on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of TRAM Flap of Rats

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the expression pattern of CD 18(leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein) in ischemia-reperfusion injury of TRAM flap of rats. Through this study, we can obtain more information about ischemia-reperfusion injury. We want to develop specific medicine to improve the survival rate of TRAM flap in the future. METHODS: A TRAM flap supplied by a single pedicle superior epigastric artery and vein was elevated on 60 Sprauge-Dawley rats. The rats were divide into 6 groups (each group n=10); Group O: sham, no ischemia-reperfusion injury, Group I: 2 hour reperfusion after 4 hour ischemia, Group II: 4 hour reperfusion after 4 hour ischemia, Group III: 8 hour reperfusion after 4 hour ischemia, Group IV: 12 hour reperfusion after 4 hour ischemia, and Group V: 24 hour reperfusion after 4 hour ischemia. This study consisted of gross examination for flap survival and flow cytometry study of CD18 on neutrophils. RESULTS: The gross measurement of the flap showed different survival rate in group I(71%), II(68%), III(37%), IV(34%) and V(34%). All experimental groups showed an increase in the expression of CD18 compared to group O. The expression of CD18 was rapidly increased in ascending order in group I, II and III. But, the expression of CD18 was maintained in group IV and V. CONCLUSION: The results can be implemented in the study to develop drugs which are capable of reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury in microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Progress of Techniques in Breast Reconstruction Using Autologous Abdominal Tissue / 영남의대학술지

Breast reconstruction provides dramatic improvement for patients with severe deformity. The reconstruction not only restores aesthetically acceptable breast for patients with mastectomy deformity but also recovers psychological trauma of 'losing feminity' after the cancer mastectomy. There are many options for breast reconstruction from simple prosthetic insertion to a flap operation using autologous abdominal tissue. The choice of operation method depends on the physical condition of the patient, smoking habits, and economic status. Among the many options, the method that uses the lower abdominal tissue is known as the TRAM (transverse rectus abdonimis myocutaneous) flap. Since the introduction of the TRAM flap in 1982 by Hartrampf, the art of breast reconstruction using lower abdominal tissue has been progressively refined to pedicle flap, muscle-sparinga TRAM flap, and recently there have been exciting and revolutionary changes associated with the adoption of the concept of perforator flap. This refined method of breast reconstruction utilizes lower abdominal tissue nourished by the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP). With the DIEP free flap, almost all of the rectus muscle and anterior rectus sheath are preserved and the donor morbidity is minimized. Different from previous flap methods using lower abdominal tissue, DIEP free flap method preserves function of the rectus muscle completely. Understanding the entire progression of breast reconstruction methods using lower abdominal tissue is necessary for plastic surgeons; the understanding of each step of the exciting progression and the review of the past history of the TRAM flap may provide insight for future development.

Anatomical Location of the Tendinous Intersections of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle in Korean Women

PURPOSE: The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap has become a reliable method for autogenous breast reconstruction. However, dissection of the tendinous intersections of rectus abdominis is technically difficult. The tendinous intersection has significant vascularity within its fascial layers raising in importance of technique in elevation. If tendinous intersections are damaged during the elevation of the rectus muscle, circulation to TRAM flap can be endangered. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the number of tendinous intersections and to predict anatomical position of the tendinous intersections. METHODS: We dissected 182 consecutive TRAM flaps and measured the distance between xiphoid process and each tendinous intersection and evaluated the statistic correlation among the distance, patient's height and position of umbilicus. RESULTS: In this study, in 30.7% of patients, two tendinous intersections were observed in one rectus abdominis muscle, in 67.7% three tendinous intersections, and in 1.6% four tendinous intersections, respectively. But there was no correlation between patient's height and the distance between xiphoid process and each tendinous intersection. CONCLUSION: It still remains difficult to predict the position of tendinous intersections just by topography before the dissection. Careful and meticulous dissection of the tendinous intersections is still required.