TRAM皮瓣乳房再造术后腹壁张力的研究

目的　研究TRAM皮瓣术后腹壁张力的情况。方法　采用调查表 ,运动测试和腹直肌形态CT扫描作手术前后对照。结果　手术初期 (1～ 6周 )腹壁张力下降 ,尤其以双蒂皮瓣者为甚 ,3个月后已无明显差异 ;运动测试显示术后运动不如术前 ;而CT扫描示腹直肌形态保持良好。结论　TRAM皮瓣乳房再造术后腹直肌肌力有下降 ,而腹壁张力无明显改变     

TRAM皮瓣乳房再造术后腹壁张力的研究

目的　研究TRAM皮瓣术后腹壁张力的情况。方法　采用调查表,运动测试和腹直肌形态CT扫描作手术前后对照。结果　手术初期(1～6周)腹壁张力下降,尤其以双蒂皮瓣者为甚,3个月后已无明显差异;运动测试显示术后运动不如术前;而CT扫描示腹直肌形态保持良好。结论　TRAM皮瓣乳房再造术后腹直肌肌力有下降,而腹壁张力无明显改变。     

TRAM flap breast reconstruction after radiation treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with and without radiation treatment before their breast reconstruction were compared to study the relationship of radiation to flap-related complications. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap for breast reconstruction involves a a vascular pedicle and recipient bed, both included in the radiated field of patients undergoing adjunctive therapy. Detailed reviews of flap-related complications in this subgroup of patients have been limited. METHODS: One hundred eight patients with radiation treatment who subsequently underwent a TRAM flap breast reconstruction were compared with 572 patients with no radiation treatment before similar reconstruction. Flap-related complications, radiation dosage, time, fields, relationships between risk factors, and complications were studied. RESULTS: Overall complication rates were comparable between the two groups. Only fat necrosis (> 10% of total reconstruction) was found to be statistically significant (17.6% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.03228). No difference was found for fat necrosis in unipedicled vs. bipedicled flaps controlled for radiation (17.7% vs. 17.4%). Obesity and radiation therapy were associated with fat necrosis and major infection in a logistic regression. Significant abdominal scarring was also associated with major infection (p = 0.0044). CONCLUSIONS: In this, the largest reported series, radiation therapy was associated with increased fat necrosis and major infection. The use of the TRAM flap was not found to be prohibitive in radiated patients and should still be the first choice in this subgroup of patients.     

Postmastectomy radiation therapy after TRAM flap breast reconstruction

Postmastectomy chest wall and nodal radiation therapy decreases local recurrence and improves disease-free and overall survival. Immediate transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction after mastectomy has become more common. We report on our experience of irradiating the chest wall and regional lymph nodes after a TRAM flap reconstruction and describe the acute side effects, flap viability, and cosmetic outcome. Between 1995 and 2000, 22 patients with a median age of 47 years (range 27-61 years) received chest wall radiotherapy following mastectomy and immediate pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. The indication for radiotherapy included tumor size, involved lymph nodes, or positive margins. All patients received chemotherapy before radiotherapy and three patients also received concurrent chemotherapy. The median dose to the chest wall was 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions of 1.8 Gy using a 6 or 4 MV linear accelerator. The patients were all computed tomography (CT) planned in the treatment position. The patients were immobilized using an alpha cradle. Two tangent fields were used to deliver the dose. On alternating days, a customized bolus was applied to the chest wall that spared the central region where the subsequent nipple reconstruction would be performed. All 22 patients completed 90% of the prescribed chest wall radiotherapy dose. Sixty-six percent of the patients received treatment without any treatment breaks. Only 10% of the patients developed desquamation of the TRAM flap skin. Thirty percent developed grade II erythema of the TRAM flap. With median follow-up of 18 months, no TRAM flaps have been lost or required revision. This technique for delivery of radiotherapy to the chest wall in patients who have undergone a mastectomy and immediate TRAM flap reconstruction is well tolerated. The acute toxicity was manageable. There were no TRAM flap losses or revisions performed secondary to the radiotherapy.     

Free DIEAP and SGAP flap breast reconstruction after abdominal/gluteal liposuction.

Perforator flaps are widely used in our unit for breast reconstruction. They provide ample tissue with minimal donor site morbidity together with long lasting aesthetic results. Increasing number of patients may have liposuction procedure which may jeopardise areas such as the abdomen and the buttock which are the donor sites for perforator-free flaps in breast reconstruction. Therefore, liposuction has been considered as a relative contraindication of raising perforator flaps. Six patients who had previous liposuction of the donor sites underwent autologous breast reconstruction with perforator-free flaps. Colour Duplex imaging was obtained in all cases preoperatively in order to evaluate the blood supply to the flap and to map the perforators. There were five deep inferior epigastric artery flaps (DIEP) and one superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap used. Total flap survival was obtained in all cases. Postoperative course was uneventful. Our results showed that raising perforator flaps after liposuction of the donor sites is possible. Preoperative radiological evaluation of the perforators is mandatory for such difficult cases.     

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma after mastectomy and TRAM flap breast reconstruction

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast is being reported with increasing frequency as a result of the increased use of radiation therapy in conjunction with breast conservation surgery. However, this entity has not been well documented in patients undergoing mastectomy. The authors present a case of angiosarcoma occurring in a patient 6 years after undergoing mastectomy for invasive duct carcinoma with immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction followed by postoperative radiation therapy. The diagnosis of angiosarcoma was made by skin biopsy performed by the patient's reconstructive surgeon on routine follow-up examination. This is the first reported case of postradiation angiosarcoma occurring in a postmastectomy breast reconstructed with autogenous tissue and it is unusual in that the cancer invaded the musculocutaneous flap. Diagnosis and management recommendations for radiation-induced angiosarcoma are discussed.     

Feasibility of postmastectomy radiation therapy after TRAM flap breast reconstruction

Background: Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) has been shown to decrease locoregional failure rates in high-risk breast cancer patients following modified radical mastectomy. However, there had not been a study evaluating the effect of PORT in patients after transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction. Therefore, we evaluated flap viability, cosmetic results, and locoregional recurrence in patients who underwent TRAM flap reconstruction and PORT. Methods: The charts of patients who had undergone modified radical mastectomy with TRAM flap reconstruction and PORT at our institution were reviewed. Patients were examined in the clinic and interviewed by telephone to evaluate their perceptions of the cosmetic result. Results: PORT was delivered to 19 patients with TRAM flaps (3 pedicled and 16 free flaps) between 1988 and 1994. There were no TRAM flap losses as a result of either surgical or radiotherapy complications. Two patients developed fat necrosis, one with a pedicled and one with a free TRAM flap. Patients with pedicled TRAM flaps noted more volume loss in the breast after radiation therapy. Eighty-four percent of patients felt their overall cosmetic result was excellent or good; only one patient reported a poor cosmetic result. Local control was achieved in three of the four patients who received PORT for local recurrence. There was only one local recurrence among the 14 patients who received PORT because they were at high risk of local recurrence. Conclusions: These results suggest that PORT can be given safely to high-risk patients following TRAM flap breast reconstruction with excellent cosmetic results and good locoregional control.     

Detection of recurrent breast cancer after TRAM flap reconstruction.

Breast cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among women today. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap has played a substantial role in the reconstruction of defects secondary to mastectomy. Although such reconstruction has not been shown to adversely affect survival or local recurrence, specific screening modalities for recurrence in this population of patients have not been delineated. Three patients were examined retrospectively at the authors' institution. They presented with local recurrences of breast cancer after mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction. All patients' recurrences were detected on physical examination, and all had the diagnosis of recurrent carcinoma made on biopsy of the mass. A review of the literature demonstrates that mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), scintimammography, and biopsy have all been used as adjuncts to clinical examination in detecting recurrence. Subsequent treatment of recurrent breast cancer is determined by the results of a metastatic workup and the receptor status of the tumor. The most reliable form of diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer after TRAM flap reconstruction remains fine-needle, core, or open biopsy if indicated.     

Immediate breast reconstruction with the TRAM flap after neoadjuvant therapy

Neoadjuvant therapy is a relatively new weapon in the chemotherapeutic arsenal against breast carcinoma. However, there has been concern that preoperative chemotherapy might lead to an increased incidence of complications and delays in postoperative treatment. A retrospective study was performed at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of all patients with locally advanced breast cancer who had undergone neoadjuvant therapy followed by mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap. Patients were evaluated for the incidence of complications and any delays in resumption of postoperative chemotherapy. Thirty-one patients underwent immediate reconstruction with the TRAM flap. Twenty-two patients were reconstructed with free TRAM flaps whereas 9 patients were reconstructed with pedicled TRAM flaps. Seventeen patients (55%) had complications postoperatively, but only 2 patients (6%) had a delay in the resumption of chemotherapy. Seven patients were smokers, five (71%) of whom had complications, which was not a significant difference from the rate in nonsmokers (50%). Although delays in postoperative chemotherapy occurred in smokers (29%, vs. 0% in nonsmokers), the number of patients was too small to attain statistical significance. Based on this study it is felt that immediate reconstruction with the TRAM flap can be performed safely in patients on a neoadjuvant protocol. Although not contraindicated, immediate reconstruction with the TRAM flap in smokers in this setting may be associated with higher morbidity.     

The pedicled TRAM flap in breast reconstruction

The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap remains a viable option in breast reconstruction. This article documents the history of the TRAM flap and puts in context the vascular anatomy through a discussion of the vascular zones. Options for flap delay are discussed and an algorithm is presented for patient selection. Finally, the issue of unipedicle versus bipedicle flap harvest is discussed and complications are examined.     

Institutional review of free TRAM flap breast reconstruction

INTRODUCTION: A 10-year experience with breast reconstruction in a university hospital was recently reviewed. The purpose of this study was to determine the subtypes of breast reconstructive procedures and to evaluate the frequency and change in technique over time of free TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap breast reconstruction performed at one institution. Trends in the development of the procedure over this period were also reviewed. MATERIALS & METHODS: Between November 1994 and September 2004, a 10-year retrospective chart review was conducted. The indications for mastectomy and reconstruction were determined. The median age was 48 (range 31-66). The range of follow-up was 2 to 71 months, with a median of 19.5 months. The mean follow-up was 23.5 months. Outcome data were grouped into 2 consecutive 5-year periods (period 1: 1994-1998; period 2: 1999-2004) and evaluated for changes over time in techniques and outcome. Statistical analysis (Decision Analyst, Inc., STATS Statistics software, version 1.1, 1998) was performed using the difference between 2 proportions module to assess the probability of a significant difference in the data for period 1 and period 2 parameters. RESULTS: Over a 10-year period, 117 patients underwent breast reconstruction. This consisted of 12 pedicle procedures (11.3%), including 1 bipedicle flap (0.9%) and 2 bilateral pedicle procedures (1.8%). There were 3 latissimus dorsi pedicle flaps (2.8%). Sixteen patients (15.1%) received tissue expander or implant reconstructions. Of the 117 patients, 79 underwent free flap breast reconstruction. Of the 79 free-flap patients, 22 (27.8%) had bilateral procedures, for a total of 101 free flaps performed in these 79 patients. Fifty-two patients underwent immediate reconstruction (65.8%) and 25 were delayed (31.6%) reconstructions using either deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps (4 = 3.9%) or free TRAM flaps (97 = 96.0%). A muscle-sparing technique was used in 43 of the 97 free TRAM flaps (44.3%). The preferred vascular inflow was the internal mammary artery, which was used in 66 out of 101 flaps (65.3%). The rate of anastomotic revision (arterial and venous) was 4.9%. The majority of cases used a 2.5-mm venous coupler (65.3%). In 2 of the free TRAM cases, there was insufficient volume to establish the patients preexisting volume. Therefore, at the patient's request, immediate implants were used to augment the reconstruction. The average hospital stay was 8.13 days, and the average intensive care stay was 4.59 days. When assessed for trends over time, we noted a reduction in our hospital length of stay and our ICU length of stay. CONCLUSION: The experience with free tissue breast reconstruction reveals predominant use of the TRAM flap. This is justified by the reliability of this flap and the advances in achieving esthetic breast reconstruction. Additionally, we have begun performing DIEP free-flap reconstructions. Our clinical practice has evolved concurrent with standards of care, as noted by the increase in use of muscle-sparing techniques and the reduction in the use of dextran. We do not routinely use therapeutic anticoagulation in our cases. Our hospital length of stay and average intensive care length of stay have also decreased over time, consistent with a system-wide effort to increase the efficiency of healthcare delivery.     

Preoperative TRAM flap planning for postmastectomy breast reconstruction

The techniques for transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap planning, which have previously been described in international literature, do not provide adequate guidelines for preoperative marking that can be followed in patients with different types of contralateral breast. Because in most patients we tend to reconstruct the new breast on the model of the contralateral one without significant changes in the patient's body image, some parameters were needed that could provide adequate preoperative marking. The technique we describe for preoperative planning is simple and reliable and can be used in most patients. It allows immediate deepithelialization and tailoring of the dermoadipose extensions of the flap at the beginning of the operation. In our experience this type of preoperative marking has significantly reduced operative time and the need for secondary correction and contralateral mammaplasty. The incidence of marginal flap necrosis and liponecrosis has also been reduced because minimal contralateral random portion of the skin island is used.     

Transfusion requirements for TRAM flap postmastectomy breast reconstruction

The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a commonly used method for autologous tissue postmastectomy breast reconstruction. It is a major operative procedure, and some have argued that it needlessly exposes patients to increased risk of complications and blood transfusions. In this series the authors review their experience with 105 consecutive complex postmastectomy breast reconstructions, limited to double-pedicle flaps, identifying complications rates and blood transfusion requirements. Blood transfusions were required in 2.8% of patients undergoing bipedicle or bilateral TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Blood transfusions were only required in patients who experienced a complication. Obesity was associated with an increased rate of complications and blood transfusion. Routine typing and cross-matching of blood and self-donation of blood may not be required for TRAM flap breast reconstruction in low-risk patients.     

Drains and seromas in TRAM flap breast reconstruction

Surgeons who perform transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps have differing opinions about how many drains are required in the breast and abdomen to prevent seroma. The authors therefore decided to review their experience to determine whether the number of drains influenced the incidence of seroma. All patients who underwent breast reconstruction using TRAM or deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from January 1, 1995 to June 20, 2000 and whose charts could be retrieved were included in the study. The number of drains used was correlated with the presence or absence of seroma and wound infection in both the abdomen and the breast. Significance was analyzed using the Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. There were 608 patients and 768 reconstructive procedures in this series (160 reconstructions were bilateral). Of patients who had only one drain in the abdomen, seroma developed in 9 patients (7.1%), whereas of those having two drains in the abdomen, seroma developed in only 10 patients (2.1%) (p = 0.006). Also, of patients who had only one drain in the breast, seroma developed in the breast in 47 patients (9.1%), and in those with two drains, seroma developed in only 11 patients (4.3%) (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the infection rate in either the breast or the abdomen, although the trends favored a lower infection risk when two drains were used. The authors found that using two drains in both the abdomen and the breast can reduce the risk for seroma without increasing the risk for infection. This study supports the use of two drains in both the breast (one each beneath the TRAM flap and in the axilla) and abdomen (beneath the abdominoplasty flap) for patients undergoing breast reconstruction using the TRAM flap.     

Free perforator crossover TRAM flap for breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction using a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has become the preferred method of autogenous reconstruction for most surgeons. The vascular basis of both the superior and inferior vascular pedicles of this flap has been well documented. When a pedicled TRAM flap is based superiorly, the perfusion across the midline to zone 4 and sometimes zone 3 is, at best, variable. Augmentation of the blood supply of the contralateral side with various methods has been reported. The methods include the delay procedure, bipedicled flaps, supercharging, and turbo-charging. The deep inferior epigastric artery is the dominant blood supply, and a microsurgical free TRAM flap based inferiorly provides reliable perfusion, even to zone 4, which obviates the need for many of these maneuvers. It has also been demonstrated that the circulation across the midline in a TRAM flap is primarily by means of a subdermal plexus and that with a previous vertical midline abdominal scar there is virtually no midline crossover at any anastomotic level. Therefore, even with a free TRAM flap based on the dominant inferior pedicle, perfusion across a vertical midline scar is unreliable. As a result, many patients with a vertical midline scar have been denied the best autogenous reconstructive option. The authors present their experience with a free perforator crossover TRAM flap using a constant premuscular branch of the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein that provides many patients who have a previous midline scar with a genuine option for autogenous tissue breast reconstruction.     

Influence of vascular delay on abdominal wall complications in unipedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction

Surgically delaying a unipedicled lower abdominal transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has been shown to improve flow within the flap. This delay, however, also affects blood supply and drainage of the entire anterior abdominal wall. The purpose of this study was to compare the abdominal complications between surgically delayed and nondelayed TRAM flaps. A retrospective case review of lower abdominal TRAM flap breast reconstructions was performed. A total of 35 patients were included in the study, of whom 15 had undergone delay and 20 had not. The patients were found to be matched by age and body mass index. There was a higher incidence of smokers (past or present) in the delayed series. Despite this, no abdominal flap complications were experienced in those who underwent delay. In the nondelayed series, however, three patients (15%) experienced delayed healing, and two flaps (10%) underwent severe necrosis (p = 0.047, chi-squared test). In the delayed series, one patient (7%) was found to have an abdominal bulge. No hernias were encountered. In contrast, two bulges (10%) and four hernias (20%) were identified in patients in the nonndelayed series (p = 0.6 and 0.09, respectively, chi-squared test). These data suggest that a preliminary delay procedure leads to a reduction in the incidence of abdominal wall complications in unipedicled lower abdominal TRAM flaps.     

Quality of life outcomes after pedicled TRAM flap delayed breast reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of TRAM flap delayed breast reconstruction on health related quality of life in patients who had undergone mastectomy. METHODS: Twenty-five patients following mastectomy were selected consecutively from the Plastic Surgery/Mastology Units of two university hospitals. All subjects underwent breast reconstruction with the use of pedicled TRAM flap. The patients' health related quality of life was assessed by a validated instrument, the SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire. This was applied preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6 and 12-months follow-up. A group of 20 women with mastectomies who have not undergone breast reconstruction was used as a control. To assess patients' satisfaction with breast reconstruction we used Alderman's modified general satisfaction subscale. RESULTS: There was a progressive improvement in all dimensions of the SF-36, and this was statistically significant for seven of the eight dimensions. The scores were significantly higher on 'role emotional' and 'mental health' at 3 months postoperatively, on 'health perception' and 'role physical' at month 6 and on 'physical function', 'pain', health perception and 'social function' at postoperative month 12. Despite the increase in scores, no significant changes in 'vitality' were found. There was no significant preoperative difference between the control group and studied patients, and the control group's scores were significantly lower in all dimensions when compared to postoperative month 12, except on 'physical function'. The level of patients' satisfaction with the TRAM flap breast reconstruction was high. CONCLUSIONS: The data of this study suggest that delayed breast reconstruction with the use of the pedicled TRAM flap provides an improvement in health related quality of life of patients who have undergone mastectomy.     

TRAM flap breast reconstruction for patients with advanced breast disease

Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) breast reconstruction in patients with advanced breast cancer is controversial. Management of these patients is often complex and consists of surgical extirpation, postoperative radiation, chemotherapy, and in some cases bone marrow transplantation. Few studies have attempted to examine patient long-term survival and overall satisfaction with the surgical procedure. This study examines one center's experience with patients undergoing breast reconstruction for stage III and stage IV breast carcinoma. A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing TRAM reconstruction with stage III or IV breast cancer. Surviving patients and family members were contacted for follow-up. Patients were asked to grade their satisfaction with the reconstructive procedure on a 5-point scale (5 points, extremely satisfied; 1 point, extremely dissatisfied). Postoperative complications and time to return to work were also recorded. During a 10-year period (1991-2000) 21 women underwent TRAM reconstruction for advanced breast cancer. Twenty patients had stage III disease and 1 patient had stage IV disease. Mean patient age was 49 years. A total of 26 TRAM flaps were performed; 5 patients had bilateral procedures. Of the 26 TRAM flaps, 17 were immediate and 9 were delayed, and 20 were free and 6 were pedicled. Follow-up averaged 6.5 years (range, 2-10 years). Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients and included fat necrosis (N = 3), hematoma (N = 2), cellulitis (N = 1), delayed donor site healing (N = 2), and seroma (N = 1). There were no flap losses. Patients were able to return to normal activities or work at an average of 10.6 weeks. Eleven patients developed recurrent disease. Nine patients (43%) succumbed to their disease during the follow-up period. In these patients the average interval between TRAM reconstruction and death was 3.7 years (range, 1-6.5 years). Eleven patients or surviving family members participated in the patient satisfaction survey. The average satisfaction grade was 4.6 points. All patients would repeat the TRAM reconstruction again. Patients with advanced breast cancer can be considered appropriate candidates for TRAM reconstruction. The results of this study indicate that patients with advanced breast cancer do not have an increased rate of postoperative complications, and they recover within a reasonable time from their surgical procedure despite adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. Furthermore, the majority of patients are satisfied with their reconstructed breast and postoperative course, and would choose this reconstructive option again.     

Laparoscopic repair for recurrent abdominal wall hernia after TRAM flap breast reconstruction: case report of 2 patients

BACKGROUND: The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is an appealing option for women choosing between various breast reconstructive techniques as it results in an autologous reconstructed breast that is soft and mimics a natural breast. Despite these benefits, there are complications with this procedure, such as pain at the donor site, longer scars, and most frequently the occurrence of abdominal wall hernia or bulge, which has been reported in up to 20%-40% of patients. METHODS: In this case report, we share our experience with 2 patients who had multiple open hernia repairs, 5 between the 2 of them, after their TRAM flap surgery. Each of these 5 repairs was performed with a Prolene mesh overlay, but not one lasted for more than 6 months. After reviewing our patients' records and our surgical options, we decided to proceed with laparoscopic repair of their recurrent hernias. RESULTS: The patients are now at postoperative follow-up of 12 months and 15 months, with no evidence of recurrence. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic surgery has many benefits, such as shorter hospitalization and decreased pain. For our patients, it also resulted in a more beneficial and longer-lasting repair. We believe that this is partly due to the mechanics of the repair, which allows the abdominal contents to buttress the mesh against the abdominal wall. In addition, we believe that this technique reinforces the posterior sheath, which may not be accomplished in an open repair. This is important as most hernias after TRAM flap surgery occur below the arcuate line. From our experience with these 2 patients, we now advocate the use of laparoscopic repair as a treatment option for those who present with recurrent abdominal wall hernia or bulge after their TRAM flap surgery and believe with more experience it will become a first-line treatment.