The advantages of breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and the muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap (MS-2) are well recognized. Both techniques optimize abdominal function by maintaining the vascularity, innervation, and continuity of the rectus abdominis muscle. The purpose of this study was to compare these two...

abstract   the perfect method for breast reconstruction would be safe, reliable, reproducible, applicable to all patients, and would have no donor site morbidity. the ideal reconstructed breast would provide symmetric, permanent, and natural results. there has been development and refinement of autogenous methods of breast reconstruction throughout the literature. the tram flap remains the most...

BACKGROUND Compromised perfusion in autologous breast reconstruction results in fat necrosis and flap loss. Increased flap weight with fewer perforator vessels may exacerbate imbalances in flap perfusion. We studied deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps to assess this concept. METHODS Data from patients who under...

Pedicle damage is a rare complication of latissimus dorsi (LD) flap breast reconstruction. We report a case of accidental avulsion of the vascular pedicle of a totally autologous (extended) LD flap during immediate breast reconstruction in a patient who had previously undergone contralateral breast reconstruction with a pedicled TRAM flap based on the opposite superior epigastric vessels. The i...

BACKGROUND Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction after mastectomy in breast cancer patients has become one of the milestones in breast reconstruction. There are several techniques that have been used in an attempt to minimize untoward complications. We present the whole muscle with partial sheath-sparing technique that focuses on the anatomy of arcuate line and the...

We present the case of a 31-year-old woman with an inflammatory and ulcerative malignant phyllodes tumor in her right breast. A right modified radical mastectomy and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap were performed. A month after the initial operation, several masses recurred at the superior margin and deep margin of the TRAM flap. Wide excision was performed, but masses recu...

BACKGROUND Breast reconstruction offers not only physical but also psychological rehabilitation. Autologous tissue transfer is a good option for breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the success rate, complications, and cosmetic outcomes following use of a muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap for breast reconstruction. METHODS ...

BACKGROUND The objective of this paper was to describe a novel technique for improving the maintenance of nipple projection in primary nipple reconstruction by using acellular dermal matrix as a strut in one of three different configurations, according to the method of prior breast reconstruction. The struts were designed to best fill the different types of dead spaces in nipple reconstruction ...

Perforator flap breast reconstruction potentially offers patients greater postoperative abdominal strength compared with traditional TRAM techniques. Our purpose was to perform a systemic review of the published literature regarding abdominal wall function following breast reconstruction and compare outcomes between pedicle TRAM, free TRAM, and perforator flap procedures. We used the MEDLINE, E...