TRAM flap breast reconstruction after abdominal liposuction

The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has become the gold standard of autologous breast reconstruction. It is typically a low-risk procedure with few surgical contraindications. A relative contraindication, however, is prior liposuction of the abdomen. The contention has been that the trauma of the liposuction procedure can damage or destroy the musculocutaneous perforators that supply circulation to the TRAM flap skin paddle. The authors present 2 patients who previously underwent suction-assisted abdominal lipectomy and, after mastectomies, successfully underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using single-pedicle TRAM flaps. They also examine the literature that supports the feasibility of this procedure.     

Midline fascial preservation in double-pedicle TRAM flap breast reconstruction

The addition of a second pedicle to the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap has enlarged the pool of potential candidates for breast and chest wall reconstruction with that method to include patients who smoke, those with midline abdominal scars, and others. Many surgeons are hesitant to try the double-pedicle technique, however, because of a concern about being able to close the fascial donor defect. Fortunately, what the flap requires for survival is blood supply, not fascia. This report describes two ways to preserve anterior rectus fascia in the donor area medial to the perforating vessels without compromising the blood supply to the flap. Consequently, primary closure of the donor defect in the fascia can generally be accomplished, making the use of synthetic mesh optional and encouraging wider use of the double-pedicle technique.     

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。     

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.     

应用猪小肠黏膜下层与肌腱细胞构建组织工程支架修复大鼠腹壁缺损的实验研究

目的:应用猪小肠黏膜下层(small intestinal submucosa,SIS)与肌腱细胞构建组织工程支架,研究其在修复腹壁缺损时的生物力学特性。方法:制作SD大鼠腹壁缺损模型,应用所构建的组织工程支架修补缺损,术后4周取样进行大体观察,检测组织学及力学性能。结果:组织工程支架修补术后的SD大鼠无腹部裂开及疝发生,支架与腹腔内脏器有轻微粘连;HE及Masson染色发现支架与肌肉组织交界区有显著新生血管出现及肌肉组织长入。力学性能检测显示组织工程支架的力学强度显著大于SD大鼠腹壁肌肉强度。结论:构建组织工程支架可有效修补大鼠的腹壁缺损。     

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.     

应用聚丙烯网修补腹直肌肌皮瓣乳房再造后的腹壁缺损

目的探讨横行腹直肌肌皮瓣(transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap，TRAM瓣)乳房再造后腹壁缺损较为理想的修复方法。方法应用聚丙烯网修复下腹部TRAM瓣转移后遗留的腹壁缺损24例，蒂部前鞘直接缝合。结果24例应用聚丙烯网修复乳房再造后的下腹壁缺损，不仅修复了缺损，而且同时取得了腹壁美学效果。住院期间无腹腔综合征及感染发生。平均随访1年，未发现腹壁疝、腹壁膨隆、腹壁松弛，腹部整形效果持久，功能良好。结论应用聚丙烯网修复TRAM瓣乳房再造后的腹壁缺损是较为理想的修复方法，不仅能保持腹壁的完整性和各种生理功能，减少并发症的发生；同时，达到了腹壁整形的目的。     

Laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction with small intestinal submucosa

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction with small intestinal submucosa (SIS) in the pig ureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight female pigs weighing between 25 and 30 kg were enrolled. After anesthesia was administered, a double-pigtail stent was inserted, the animals were moved to a lateral decubitus position, pneumoperitoneum was established, and three 10-mm ports were positioned. The ureter was opened longitudinally for 7 cm, and two thirds of the periphery of the upper third of the left ureter was excised. The SIS was anastomosed to the upper and distal ureteral segments with chromic 4-0 sutures. The double-pigtail stent was removed 6 weeks after the initial procedure, and retrograde pyelography was performed a week later to confirm the viability of the pelvicaliceal system. RESULTS: The average duration of the procedures was 210 minutes (range 125-250 minutes). All animals survived the entire follow-up period of 7 weeks. Retrograde pyelography revealed a patent ureteral lumen, and no obstructive phenomena were observed. Histologically, the SIS-regenerated ureteral segments were remarkably similar to normal porcine ureters and were indistinguishable from neighboring tissue. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction with SIS proved to be effective and technically feasible. The SIS seems to be an effective biodegradable scaffold, facilitating regeneration of host tissue.     

Graft-versus-host disease following transobturator tape procedure with small intestinal submucosa (Surgisis): a case report

Transobturator tape procedure using small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is designed for the diminishment of the complications of tension-free vaginal tape procedures, and SIS can lower the erosion rate of mesh. However, we here report a case which developed graft-versus-host disease following the use of SIS for the transobturator procedure.     

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.     

Comparison of outcomes and donor-site morbidity in unilateral free TRAM versus DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: At long-term follow up we cannot easily differentiate between patients who have undergone free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction in terms of subjective functional limitations of daily activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes and long-term subjective functional deficit in patients following unilateral free TRAM compared with DIEP flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients who underwent unilateral autologous breast reconstruction were included in the study, 30 of whom had undergone a DIEP flap, and 30 a free TRAM flap. Surgical and postoperative outcome data were collected and a postal questionnaire was sent to each patient at least 6 months postoperatively consisting of a short functional assessment questionnaire and a Short Form 36 (SF-36) survey. RESULTS: We found no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or in the subjective ability to perform activities of daily living, including work, domestic activities, sports and hobbies, between patients who underwent TRAM flap breast reconstruction and those who underwent a DIEP flap, and no significant difference between the groups for scores on the physical functioning, role-physical, or bodily pain scales of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: We conclude that harvesting of the free TRAM flap results in no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or in the subjective ability to perform activities of daily living compared with the DIEP flap.     

Breast reconstruction with the free TRAM flap after breast cancer surgery.

The authors' experiences with 34 free lower TRAM flap transfers, in which 19 primary reconstructions and 15 secondary reconstructions were successfully achieved, are reviewed. The free TRAM flap yielded better results than the pedicled TRAM flap in cases where reconstruction of the infraclavicular and anterior axillary areas, as well as of the breast mound itself, was required.     

Porcine small intestine submucosa matrix (Surgisis) for esophageal perforation

We present a case of traumatic cervical esophageal perforation complicated by delayed diagnosis and foreign body presence successfully repaired with acellular matrix biomaterial made from porcine submucosa (Surgisis mesh [Wilson-Cook, Winston-Salem, NC]). With metal plating eroding into the esophagus from a spinal fixation procedure, the mesh was applied to the defect just under the cricopharyngeus. The patient re-commenced oral intake after 7 days, and an endoscopy at 4 weeks revealed a well-incorporated mesh in an intact esophagus with normal caliber. In this case, Surgisis mesh (Wilson-Cook) proved effective in providing temporary esophageal integrity to allow healing in an infected field where diversion was impossible.     

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.     

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.     

The sensational transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap: return of sensibility after TRAM breast reconstruction.

Normal breast sensation was objectively quantitated with a biothesiometer, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, and two-point discrimination in 10 patients. Ten patients, 2 to 7 years after pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (TRAM) breast reconstruction, were tested in a similar manner. The majority of these patients were found to have recorded measurable sensibility in the TRAM reconstruction. Recovered sensation was best in the medial and superior quadrants and improved with time. Although sensibility was present, it was still significantly different from normal sensory thresholds. A method to improve sensation by intercostal nerve repair is described. Three patients who have undergone this reconstruction have better sensibility in the reinnervated breast compared with the control breast. Sensory reeducation programs may also improve subsequent sensibility return.     

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.     

Assessment of the abdominal wall function after pedicled TRAM flap surgery for breast reconstruction: Use of modified mesh repair for the donor defect

Background:

The pedicled TRAM flap has been a workhorse of autologous breast reconstruction for decades. However, there has been a rising concern about the abdominal wall donor site morbidity with the use of conventional TRAM flap. This has generally been cited as one of the main reasons for resorting to “abdominal wall friendly” techniques. This study has been undertaken to assess the abdominal wall function in patients with pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction. The entire width of the muscle and the overlying wide disk of anterior rectus sheath were harvested with the TRAM flap in all our patients and the anterior rectus sheath defect was repaired by a Proline mesh.

Materials and Methods:

Abdominal wall function was studied in 21 patients who underwent simultaneous primary unipedicled TRAM flap reconstruction after mastectomy for cancer. In all the patients, the abdominal wall defect was repaired using wide sheet of Proline mesh both as inlay and onlay. The assessment tools included straight and rotational curl ups and a subjective questionnaire. The abdominal wall was also examined for any asymmetry, bulge, or hernia. The minimal follow-up was 6 months postoperative. The objective results were compared with normal unoperated volunteers.

Results and Conclusions:

The harvesting the TRAM flap certainly results in changes to the anterior abdominal wall that can express themselves to a variable degree. A relatively high incidence of asymptomatic asymmetry of the abdomen was seen. There was total absence of hernia in our series even after a mean follow-up period of 15.5 months. A few patients were only able to partially initiate the sit up movement and suffered an important loss of strength. In most patients, synergists took over the functional movement but as the load increased, flexion and rotation performances decreased. The lack of correlation between exercise tests and the results of the questionnaire suggests that this statistically significant impairment was functionally not important. The patients encountered little or no difficulty in theis day-to-day activities. Our modification of use of a wide mesh as inlay and onlay repair minimizes the donor site morbidity. This also avoids maneuvers meant for primary closure of the rectus sheath defects, which can result in distortion of umbilicus. Therefore, in conclusion, the unipedicled TRAM flap should be regarded as a valuable option in breast reconstruction provided careful repair of the abdominal wall defect is undertaken using Proline mesh.