Proponents for the free TRAM flap have advocated enhanced tissue vascularity, easier inset, and limited abdominal dissection. Equal aesthetic results without increased morbidity and without the risks of microvascular surgery have been suggested by surgeons using the pedicled technique. The free TRAM flap has been criticized for its considerably higher costs. The purpose of this study was to pro...

HYPOTHESIS Transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction provides excellent cosmetic results. Pedicle flap viability is greatly enhanced by prereconstruction inferior epigastric vessel ligation, which encourages collateral arterial flow (delayed TRAM). We report our initial experience with laparoscopic inferior epigastric vessel ligation. DESIGN Prospective ca...

BACKGROUND Breast reconstruction with pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap can result in significant abdominal wall donor-site morbidity. We present our technique of transversely dividing the anterior fascia and rectus abdominis combined with reinforcement above the arcuate line for closure of the anterior abdominal wall defect to prevent contour deformities performed b...

BACKGROUND The free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has proven to be a reliable means of recreating the aesthetic breast form after mastectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether neurotization of the free TRAM flap improved sensation of the reconstructed breast. METHODS Twenty-seven patients undergoing 37 free TRAM flap reconstructions were randomized ...

The introduction of microsurgery has decreased the frequency of using the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, owing to its higher incidence of fat necrosis and limitations in flap insetting (vs. the free TRAM flap). We devised an efficient method of using zones 2 and 4, based on the pedicled flap's vascular anatomy, to reduce fat necrosis and achieve superior aest...

closure of fascia after transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (tram) flap has usually been performed with direct closure or synthetic material. the dermal autograft was removed from zone iv of flap was an alternative to reinforce fascial closure. the dermal autograft was used in 34 patients after tram harvest for breast, head and neck reconstruction and prolene mesh was used in 42 other ...

This study compared the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in postmastectomy reconstruction using a cost-effectiveness analysis. A decision analytic model was used. Medical costs associated with the two techniques were estimated from the Ontario Ministry of Health Schedule of Benefits for 2002. Hospital costs were ob...

Breast cancer is a common cancer among women. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a popular option because not only does it provide a breast with satisfactory bulk composed of autogenous tissue but it also provides an abdominal dermolipectomy to the patient. Fat necrosis remains a common problem following TRAM flap reconstruction, occurring in 10% to 36% of patients unde...

A recent article by Kaplan and Allen suggested that deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction was less expensive than reconstruction performed with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps. To test that hypothesis, a series of patients who had undergone unilateral breast-mound reconstruction by the first author using DIEP or free TRAM flaps betw...

Breast reconstruction with transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is challenging in patients with low midline abdominal scar. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility of immediate breast reconstruction using single-pedicle TRAM (SP-TRAM) flaps in patients with low midline abdominal scar. There were 4 strict selection criteria: 1) presence at least 3 perforat...