INTRODUCTION: Transverse rectus abdominus muscle flaps (TRAM) can result in significant abdominal wall donor-site morbidity. We present our experience with bilateral pedicle TRAM breast reconstruction using a double-layered polypropylene mesh fold over technique to repair the rectus fascia. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed that included patients with bilateral pedicle TRAM breast reconstruction and abdominal reconstruction using a double-layered polypropylene mesh fold over technique. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients met the study criteria with a mean age of 49 years old and mean follow-up of 7.4 years. There were no instances of abdominal hernia and only 2 cases (5.7%) of abdominal bulge. Other abdominal complications included partial umbilical necrosis (14.3%), seroma (11.4%), partial wound dehiscence (8.6%), abdominal weakness (5.7%), abdominal laxity (2.9%), and hematoma (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The TRAM flap is a reliable option for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction. Using the double mesh repair of the abdominal wall can reduce instances of an abdominal bulge and hernia.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-15542 |
| Date | 01 May 2013 |
| Creators | Bharti, Gaurav, Groves, Leslie, Sanger, Claire, Thompson, James, David, Lisa, Marks, Malcolm |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | ETSU Faculty Works |
Page generated in 0.0682 seconds