Muscle-sparing Free Transverse Rectus Abdominis Research Articles

Fascia turnover procedure at breast reconstruction using free TRAM flap for decreasing umbilical migration

The ideal umbilical position is midway between the two iliac crests. Some patients complained that the umbilicus position shifted from the midline after the breast reconstruction with a free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flap. We considered that the fascia of the external oblique muscle could be applied to the rectus abdominis fascia defect. This study aimed to introduce this "fascia turnover procedure" and compare the umbilical position in this procedure with that in primary fascial closure for the MS-TRAM flap of breast reconstruction. A total of 152 patients were enrolled (80 patients with fascia turnover (+) vs. 72 patients (-)). The patients' demographics were compared. Horizontal distances (right side: a; left side: b) were measured bilaterally from the lateral abdominal wall to the center of the umbilicus. Frontal abdominal photographs were taken preoperatively (a1, b1) and postoperatively (a2, b2). The rate of umbilical migration (= | (a1 - b1) / (a1 + b1) -(a2 - b2) / (a2 + b2) | ×100%) was calculated. Because the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle is confirmed in front of the lateral side of the anterior rectus sheath, this procedure could be performed in cases with a medial defect. No significant differences in the patients' demographics, including abdominal bulging rates and abdominal wall defect widths were observed between the two groups. The rate of umbilical migration showed a significant difference (median 1.78% vs. 3.70%, P<0.001). This procedure could decrease the rate of umbilical migration.

A Safe and Efficient Technique for Pedicled TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction.

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the indications for a unilateral pedicled transverse rectus abdominis (TRAM) flap-based breast reconstruction. 2. Understand the different types and designs of pedicled TRAM flap used in both immediate and delayed breast reconstruction. 3. Understand the essential landmarks and relevant anatomy of the pedicled TRAM flap. 4. Understand the steps of raising the pedicled TRAM flap, the subcutaneous transfer, and the insetting of the flap on the chest wall. 5. Understand the nature of donor-site management and closure of the defect. 6. Develop a postoperative plan for continuing care and pain management. This article focuses primarily on the unilateral, ipsilateral pedicled TRAM flap. Although the bilateral pedicled TRAM flap may be a reasonable option in some cases, they have been shown to have a significant impact on abdominal wall strength and integrity. Other types of autogenous flaps using the same lower abdominal tissue, such as a free muscle-sparing TRAM or a deep inferior epigastric flap, can be performed as a bilateral procedure with less impact on the abdominal wall. Breast reconstruction with a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis flap has persisted for decades as a reliable and safe form of autologous breast reconstruction leading to a natural and stable breast shape.

Limiting the fascia incision length in a DIEP flap: Repercussion on abdominal wall morbidity

The evolution from free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap leads to less donor-site morbidity. However, rectus fascia is usually incised longitudinally from perforator(s) to iliac vessels, often exceeding 15 cm when including longitudinal muscle spreading. By using a limited fascia incisional (LFI-) technique, we try to diminish abdominal wall functional decrease. Twenty-seven patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstructions using free DIEP-flap with limited fascia incision between December 2014 and October 2017 were included in the study. Each patient received a periumbilical electromyogram (EMG) preoperatively, at 6 and 14 weeks postoperatively. They were compared with 27 patients having unilateral breast reconstructions using classic free DIEP-flap, performed at the same department between November 2009 and May 2011. In our LFI-technique, one vertical (4 cm) incision is made where the pedicle exits the muscle. A second, oblique (3 cm) incision is made more distally where the pedicle runs into the iliac vessels. After release, the pedicle is tunneled through the incisions, leaving all fascia, and therefore muscle, intact. In the LFI-group small neurogenic changes were noticed in only 26% and 11% of the patients at, respectively, 6 and 14 weeks postoperatively. By contrast, in the control group, postoperative neurogenic deviations remained in 37% of the patients at 14 weeks postoperatively; significant different compared to the LFI-group. This study shows the importance of preserving anterior rectus fascia. Nerve supply and abdominal rectus muscle function are less endangered using small segmental fascia incisions. We believe that our technique diminishes donor-site morbidity significantly and improves the postoperative recovery.

Extensive Microsurgical Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defects for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: A 10-Year Single-Unit Experience.

Despite improvements in the early detection of breast cancer, locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) involving the chest wall exists in developing countries. Surgical resection remains a controversial management option. This study aims to demonstrate the value of chest wall reconstructive techniques for large LABC defects and report long-term outcomes. We report a 10-years single-unit experience in the reconstruction of large defects (>300 cm). From 2007 to 2017, all LABC cases managed with large surgical resection with immediate microsurgical chest wall reconstruction were included in this study. Herein, we present the demographics, comorbidities, clinicopathological LABC characteristics, surgical techniques (free flap choice, recipient vessels), and outcomes (survival, complication, cosmesis, and patient satisfaction). Of the 104 LABC cases, free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap was performed in 41 (39.4%) cases, free anterolateral thigh flap in 5 (4.8%), free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator combined with pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in 23 (22.1%), free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap in 30 (28.9%), and free transverse upper gracilis flap in 5 (4.8%). Complications were low. Over a median follow-up of 49.5 months, the 3-year local recurrence rate and distant metastasis-free survival were 13.9% and 84.9%, respectively. In addition, the 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 84.2% and 92.0%, respectively. The rate of excellent and good ratings by the esthetic assessment panel was 83.0%, and the patient satisfaction rate was 90.0%. Wide resection and microvascular free tissue transfer is oncologically safe in LABC with huge tumors and provides versatile solutions for the reconstruction of extensive chest wall defects. With favorable long-term survival and cosmetic outcomes, surgical resection of LABC combined with flap reconstruction may offer a practical approach in difficult and complicated cases. In this retrospective review, it was demonstrated that wide resection followed by distinct chest wall reconstructive free flaps transfer is oncologically safe in LABC with huge tumors and provides useful solutions for the reconstruction of extensive chest wall defects.

Rezoning Free Muscle-Sparing Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flaps Based on Perforasome Groupings and a New Understanding of the Vascular Architecture of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery-Based Flaps.

We compare the vascular territory of free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps, and crossover anastomosis (CA) flaps using intraoperative ex vivo angiography. We also use ex vivo angiography to analyze the vascular architecture of the MS-TRAM flap. Our study includes 84 lower abdominal free flaps: MS-TRAM, DIEP-1 (1 perforator), DIEP-2 (2 perforators), and CA. We compare the arterial perfusion area and vascular territory pattern in each group. We also analyze the vascular architecture in MS-TRAM flaps and determine the number and location of their dominant perforators and the direction of the axial arteries connecting them. The CA's arterial perfusion area is the largest, and the DIEP-1's, the smallest of our groups; there is no statistically significant difference between MS-TRAM and DIEP-2. In all groups, average arterial perfusion area in the vascular pedicle's ipsilateral side is larger than in its contralateral side. The MS-TRAM and DIEP-2 flaps have homologous perfusion patterns and the same arterial perfusion areas. The DIEP-1 perfusion pattern varies with perforator location. Ex vivo angiograms show the MS-TRAM flap's axial arteries heading laterally to be larger and longer than those heading medially. Two dominant perforators are preferable in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Lateral perforators play a more important role in flap perfusion than do medial ones. Crossover anastomosis is an effective technology for increasing arterial perfusion areas. Our rezoning shows which areas are better for surgery and which have a high risk of complications-valuable information for a surgeon designing a flap for breast reconstruction.

Choice of recipient vessels in muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction: A comparative study.

BackgroundThoracodorsal vessels (TDVs) and internal mammary vessels (IMVs) have both been widely employed as recipient vessels for use in free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps. However, whether TDVs or IMVs are preferable as recipient vessels for autologous breast reconstruction with a free MS-TRAM flap remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes when TDVs were used as recipient vessels to those obtained when IMVs were used as recipient vessels for autologous breast reconstruction with a free MS-TRAM flap.MethodsA retrospective matched-cohort study was performed. We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent a free MS-TRAM flap for autologous breast reconstructions after mastectomy between March 2003 and June 2013. After a one-to-one matching using age, 100 autologous breast reconstructions were selected in this study. Of the 100 breast reconstructions, 50 flaps were anastomosed to TDVs and 50 to IMVs. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes including operation time, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and aesthetic score were compared between the two groups.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in patient demographics and clinical outcomes, including the complication rates and aesthetic scores. There were no major complications such as total or partial flap loss in either group.ConclusionsThe results of our study demonstrate that both TDVs and IMVs were safe and efficient as recipient vessels in terms of the complication rates and aesthetic outcomes.

Predictors affecting complications and aesthetic outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction with free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps.

Identification and understanding of predictors for complications and aesthetic outcomes in free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flap are essential for successful breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors for complications and aesthetic outcomes in patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction with free MS-TRAM flaps. Between March 2003 and September 2017, a total of 214 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with MS-TRAM flaps were included in this study. Mean age of the patients was 43.2 years (range, 28-61 years). Four outcome data, including operation time, hospital stay, aesthetic scores, and complications; and 12 patient data, including recipient vessel type, age, body mass index [BMI] > 25, smoking status, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, contralateral breast surgery, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease, and endocrine disease were collected. Five and 52 patients experienced major complications, including partial flap loss, and minor complications, respectively. In stepwise multiple logistic analysis, risk factors for complications were BMI > 25 (P < 0.001), smoking status (P = 0.012), and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (P = 0.002). BMI > 25 (P < 0.001), smoking status (P < 0.001), contralateral breast surgery (P < 0.001), and history of cardiac (P = 0.001) and endocrine disease (P = 0.003) were predictors for aesthetic outcome. Predictors for complications and aesthetic outcomes determined in this study may facilitate microsurgeons engaged in the assessment of patients needing free MS-TRAM flaps.

Function and Strength after Free Abdominally Based Breast Reconstruction: A 10-Year Follow-Up.

The long-term impact of abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction is incompletely understood. The aim of this study is to provide long-term, subjective and objective health data on abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction patients, with specific attention to the effects of laterality, flap type, and obesity. Patients were enrolled in this prospective study between 2005 and 2010 and completed preoperative, early (<1 year), and long-term (5 to 10 years) evaluations. Objective examination included an assessment of upper and lower abdominal function and a functional independence measure. Patient-reported outcomes included the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the BREAST-Q abdominal well-being module. Scores were compared by laterality (unilateral versus bilateral), flap type (muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous versus deep inferior epigastric artery perforator), and presence of obesity. Fifty-one patients were included, with an average 8.1-year follow-up. Overall, 78.8 percent of patients had stable or improved scores across the upper and lower abdominal function and functional independence measures, and minimal objective differences across flap laterality or types were observed. Postoperative scores improved for 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey physical health (p < 0.001) and mental health (p < 0.001), and did not differ based on laterality or flap type. Obesity negatively impacted physical health (p = 0.002) and mental health (p = 0.006). Abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction is associated with significant improvements in long-term quality of life across key domains of physical and mental health with little functional impairment and no long-term differences across flap type or laterality. Obese patients, however, may be at risk for subjective physical and mental health impairment, perhaps unrelated to the surgery itself.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of DIEP vs free MS-TRAM flap for microsurgical breast reconstruction.

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap may be associated with less long-term donor-site morbidity compared with free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (MS-TRAM) flap. However, DIEP flaps may have longer operative time and higher rates of acute postoperative complications. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) that compared the long-term costs and patient-reported outcomes between the two flaps. A retrospective cohort of women who received free MS-TRAM or DIEP flap reconstruction between January 2008 and December 2012, with a minimum of 2-year follow-up, were recruited. Cost data of the primary reconstruction and any subsequent hospitalization due to complications from the reconstruction within 2 years were obtained. Each patient received a BREAST-Q questionnaire at 2 years post-reconstruction. In total, 227 patients (180 DIEP, 47 free MS-TRAM) were included. DIEP patients had significantly fewer abdominal hernia (P = 0.04). The adjusted-incremental cost-effectiveness ratios found that DIEP flap was more cost-effective to free MS-TRAM flap in the domains of "Physical Well-Being of the Abdomen" and "Satisfaction with Outcome." DIEP flap is the more cost-effective method of autologous breast reconstruction in the long-term compared with free MS-TRAM flap with respect to patient-reported abdominal well-being and overall satisfaction with the outcome.

Should planned/desired pregnancy be considered an absolute contraindication to breast reconstruction with free abdominal Flaps? A retrospective case series and systematic review

Autologous breast reconstruction is considered by many to be the gold standard reconstructive modality following mastectomy. Despite the advantages of autologous reconstruction, however, surgeons have been cautious in recommending this approach to patients who desire to become pregnant postoperatively because of concerns related to abdominal wall morbidity. While intuitive, this approach does not appear to be based on robust data. Hence, the authors examined the clinical outcome in patients who became pregnant following autologous breast reconstruction. Patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction with free abdominal flaps that required an incision in the anterior rectus sheath were identified. Of them, patients who became pregnant post reconstruction were included for subsequent analysis. Of particular interest were any peripartal and postpartal complications that could be attributed to the preceding abdominal flap harvest. Additionally, a systematic review of the literature was performed. We identified five patients who met inclusion criteria. All five patients underwent bilateral breast reconstruction with free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps. None of the patients had any preexisting abdominal wall morbidity. All five patients proceeded to full-term pregnancy and successfully delivered newborns, four of which were delivered by normal vaginal delivery and one by cesarean section. No abdominal wall complications were noted during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum. Contemporary data do not support the notion that breast reconstruction with free abdominal flaps is contraindicated in the setting of desired or planned pregnancy.

Avoiding Complications in Abdominal Wall Surgery

Ever since its introduction, the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap has become the mainstay of autologous breast reconstruction. However, concerns regarding donor site morbidity due to the breach of abdominal wall musculature integrity soon followed. Muscle-sparing techniques, eventually eliminating the muscle from the flap all-together with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, did not eliminate the problem of abdominal wall weakness. This led to the conclusion that motor innervation might be at fault. Studies have shown that even in the presence of an intact rectus abdominis muscle, and an intact anterior rectus sheath, denervation of the rectus abdominis muscle results in significant abdominal wall weakness leading to superior and inferior abdominal bulges, and abdominal herniation. Our aim was to establish a mathematical model to predict the location of the motor innervation to the rectus abdominis muscle, and thus provide surgeons with a tool that will allow them to reduce abdominal morbidity during deep inferior epigastric artery perforator and free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous surgery. We dissected 42 cadaveric hemiabdomens and mapped the course of the thoracolumbar nerves. We then standardized and analyzed our findings and presented them as a relative map which can be adjusted to body type and dimensions. Our dissections show that the motor innervation is closely related to the lateral vascular supply. Thus, when possible, we support the preferred utilization of the medial vascular supply, and the preservation of the lateral supply and motor innervation.

Non-Invasive Imaging of Preoperative Mapping of Superficial Veins in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Non-Invasive Imaging of Preoperative Mapping of Superficial Veins in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Can E-Cigarettes Cause Free Flap Failure? A Case of Arterial Vasospasm Induced by Electronic Cigarettes Following Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

Sir: The vasoconstrictive effects of cigarettes is well documented and routinely discussed with patients seeking microsurgical breast reconstruction. It is generally accepted that patients stop smoking 2–4 weeks before the planned reconstruction to avoid vasoconstriction and to prevent issues with wound healing. Although studies have documented the consequences of cigarette smoking on flap failure and wound healing, no prior study has documented the potential consequence of free flap failure after the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette).1 A 48-year-old woman with right intraductal carcinoma was presented in May 2015 for delayed autologous breast reconstruction. She is a former cigarette smoker who confirmed that she had stopped smoking before scheduling surgery. The patient underwent a bilateral muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction without any intraoperative complications. The following morning, the Vioptix Tissue Oximeter (Fremont, Ca) reading on the left breast dropped to 35% with deteriorating clinical examination. Bedside evaluation 20 minutes later revealed a clinically healthy appearing flap with a 77% Vioptix signal (Fig. 1). Transient vasospasm was suspected. On postoperative day 2, the Vioptix reading on the left breast dropped to 3% with progressive flap deterioration. The decision was made to return to the operating room for an exploration. During transport to the operating room, the Vioptix reading returned to baseline; however, the decision to explore the anastomosis was maintained. Exploration revealed widely patient arterial and venous anastomoses without any kinks or twists of the pedicle. Nifedipine (10 mg per os daily) was started for presumed vasospasm. The patient then had an uneventful hospital course and was discharged home on postoperative day 4. It was later revealed to the plastic surgery team by the patient’s mother that the patient had been smoking e-cigarettes until the day of surgery.Fig. 1: Photograph of the patient and corresponding Vioptix readings (left flap is top reading, right flap is bottom reading) when initially called to see patient by nursing staff after a drop in the Vioptix reading to 35% on the left side. Upon examining the patient, her left flap appeared clinically healthy and the Vioptix reading rebounded to 77% spontaneously.E-cigarettes are battery-powered, vaporized nicotine delivery devices introduced into the U.S. in 2007 as a safe alternative to traditional tobacco-based cigarette smoking.2 The use of e-cigarettes has increased in popularity to more than 6% of the population in the U.S. with nearly one third of current smokers reporting to have ever used e-cigarettes.3 E-cigarettes are unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and can be bought over the counter or online with no limit on the nicotine content. The vascular consequences of smoking traditional cigarettes/cigars are widely published and routinely counseled to patients; however, few providers discuss the use of e-cigarettes. Although e-cigarettes are free from many of the carbon monoxide, carcinogens, and tobacco present in traditional cigarettes/cigars, they contain variable amounts of nicotine that can cause peripheral vasoconstriction and inhibition of endothelial-dependent vasodilation, which can have devastating effects on free flaps.4 There are few publications about the consequences of e-cigarettes in the plastic surgery literature.5 This case example will help surgeons to advise patients on the risks of all tobacco products including e-cigarettes during the preoperative workup. DISCLOSURES M.Y.N. is a consultant for LifeCell. The other authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. The Article Processing Charge was paid for by Dr. Nahabedian. PATIENT CONSENT Patient provided consent for the use of her images and there are no patient identifiers in the images used.

Integrated algorithm for reconstruction of complex forms of Poland syndrome: 20-year outcomes

The extent of breast and chest-wall deformity varies widely in Poland syndrome, and a variety of techniques are required to correct them. The aim of this study is to analyse our experience and long-term follow-up, and to propose an algorithmic approach to this complex deformity. Retrospective case-note review from a prospectively maintained database was carried out on 37 patients. All patients treated between 1993 and 2013 were reviewed, and long-term outcome was assessed by an objective photographic documentation. The patients were invited to a photographic documentation, and the correlation between the subjective judgement and objective results in the late course was analysed. Based on our experience, we propose an algorithmic approach to this complex skeletal and soft-tissue deformity. Medical photographs were obtained from 32 patients (22 females and 10 males). The age range was 11-44 years. Significant reduction in asymmetry was possible in all patients. The mean follow-up time was 8.5 years (range, 2.2-20). The complex developmental defect involved the skin, subcutaneous tissue, breast, muscle, ribs and other skeletal abnormalities. The following treatments were applied alone or in combination: lipomodelling, liposuction, tissue expansion and implants, custom-made prosthesis, islanded pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, pedicled and free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis flaps, prosthetic chest-wall reconstruction and various combinations including multistage procedures. Surgery on the contralateral breast in female and male patients was necessary in 22 patients (20 female and two male). Assessment of the late result by four non-professionals (two females and two males) and one male plastic surgeon showed that the objective aesthetic results of the authors' reconstructions according to the proposed algorithm were sufficient. Poland syndrome is a complex developmental deformity in which several tissues are involved. It is crucial to have an armamentarium of techniques to tackle a variety of defects to meet patients' expectations, and to improve their quality of life. The clinical outcome of the currently presented algorithm proved beneficial in the decision process for the treatment of these congenital deformities.

Funding analysis of bilateral autologous free-flap breast reconstructions in Australia

Bilateral breast reconstructions are being increasingly performed. Autologous free-flap reconstructions represent the gold standard for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction but are resource intensive. This study aims to investigate the difference between hospital reimbursement and true cost of bilateral autologous free-flap reconstructions. Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent bilateral autologous free-flap reconstructions at a single Australian tertiary referral centre was performed. Hospital reimbursement was determined from coding analysis. A true cost analysis was also performed. Comparisons were made considering the effect of timing, indication and complications of the procedure. Forty-six bilateral autologous free-flap procedures were performed (87 deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEPs), four superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps (SIEAs) and one muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (MS-TRAM)). The mean funding discrepancy between hospital reimbursement and actual cost was $12,137 ± $8539 (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) (n = 46). Twenty-four per cent (n = 11) of the cases had been coded inaccurately. If these cases were excluded from analysis, the mean funding discrepancy per case was $9168 ± $7453 (n = 35). Minor and major complications significantly increased the true cost and funding discrepancy (p = 0.02). Bilateral free-flap breast reconstructions performed in Australian public hospitals result in a funding discrepancy. Failure to be economically viable threatens the provision of this procedure in the public system. Plastic surgeons and hospital managers need to adopt measures in order to make these gold-standard procedures cost neutral.

Breast Reconstruction Using a TRAM Free Flap with a Mini-Abdominoplasty Design and Flap Beveling

Background One of the most common breast reconstruction techniques that uses autologous tissue is the free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flap. However, patients hesitate to choose this method because of the long transverse scar between the anterior superior iliac spines. Furthermore, traditional reconstruction using a free MS-TRAM flap entails donor site morbidities such as pain, hematoma, or seroma. Here, we introduce a mini-abdominoplasty-designed free TRAM flap with flap beveling, which can be a good method for breast reconstruction in Asian patients who have small breasts. Methods Breast reconstruction with free MS-TRAM flaps using the mini-abdominoplasty design and flap beveling was performed in 10 patients following mastectomy. Patient age, presurgical brassiere cup size, tumor type, operation type, excised breast weight, elevated flap weight, flap weight used for the breast, recipient vessel, operation time, day that the abdominal drain was removed, and complications associated with both the flap and donor site were documented for all flaps and patients. Results For all 10 mini-abdominoplasty-designed free TRAM flap procedures, no flap loss or donor site morbidity was noted over a mean follow-up time of 16 months. Conclusions The mini-abdominoplasty-designed free TRAM flap can safely and satisfactorily be implanted for the reconstruction of mastectomy defects. It can transfer the lower abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue for breast reconstruction with minimal donor site scarring and morbidity, especially in Asian patients, who generally have smaller breasts.

Internal Mammary Perforators as Recipient Vessels for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator and Muscle-Sparing Free Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap Breast Reconstruction in an Asian Population

The use of internal mammary perforators (IMPs) as recipient vessels in autologous free flap breast reconstruction has many additional benefits compared with the internal mammary or thoracodorsal vessels. Our goals were to analyze the characteristics of these vessels and to evaluate the reliability of using them in an Asian population. Thirty-five consecutive patients were prospectively studied between November 2000 and December 2010. Twelve patients underwent muscle-sparing-2 transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, and 23 had deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstructions. Internal mammary perforator vessels were used in 29 patients (83%). Most (75%) of the vessels were located in the subcutaneous plane, and 85% were in the second and third intercostal spaces. There were significantly more usable IMP vessels in the immediate than in the delayed reconstructions (P = 0.049). All the flaps in the study were successful despite 1 requiring emergency re-exploration because of venous congestion. Most of the IMP vessels are small; however, they are still reliable and safe for use as recipient vessels in selected Asian patients. Most are located in the subcutaneous plane, which further facilitates dissection and also reduces recipient-site morbidity.

Impact of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Abdominal Wall Hernias and Bulges After Muscle-Sparing Free TRAM Flaps for Breast Reconstruction

Free tissue transfer from an abdominal donor site has become a popular method for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. The detrimental effects of adjuvant chemotherapy on healing and the resulting clinical impact on patient outcome remains somewhat unclear for abdominal bulges and hernias resulting after free tissue transfer from the abdominal donor site. An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of 155 free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps performed for breast reconstruction was undertaken to evaluate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on abdominal donor-site morbidity. The primary outcome studied was the development of hernias and bulges. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. Of the 155 patients, 51 underwent bilateral MS-TRAM flaps and 104 underwent unilateral MS-TRAM flap reconstruction. Thirty-nine patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. A statistically significant association was seen between chemotherapy treatment and the incidence of hernias alone (P < 0.05; odds ratio, 6.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-73.58). Multivariable CART analyses corroborated these findings and revealed that presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), bilaterality, and receiving chemotherapy treatment were related to increased incidence of hernias (P = 0.011, 0.005, and 0.017, respectively) after controlling for clinical variables such as smoking status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and type of closure. Univariate analyses also revealed a statistically significant association between bilaterality in conjunction with chemotherapy treatment and the incidence of hernias alone (P = 0.0002; odds ratio, 37.56; 95% confidence interval, 4.56-476.35). This highly significant finding is further augmented by multivariable CART analyses, which found that patients who were bilateral and underwent chemotherapy treatment or those with DM were significantly more likely to develop hernias (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). To date, our study is the single largest series of abdominal donor-site complications in patients receiving chemotherapy and free MS-TRAM breast reconstruction. We have demonstrated an increase in the incidence of abdominal donor-site complications, specifically abdominal bulges and hernias, in patients undergoing chemotherapy for advanced stages of breast cancer. This increased complication rate is most pronounced in patients requiring chemotherapy who undergo bilateral reconstruction, and is also a significant risk for patients receiving chemotherapy who have preexisting DM.

Muscle-Sparing TRAM Flap Does Not Protect Breast Reconstruction from Postmastectomy Radiation Damage Compared with the DIEP Flap

Irradiation to free flaps following immediate breast reconstruction has been shown to compromise outcomes. The authors hypothesized that irradiated muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps experience less fat necrosis than irradiated deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps. The authors performed a retrospective study of all consecutive patients undergoing immediate, autologous, abdomen-based free flap breast reconstruction with muscle-sparing free TRAM or DIEP flaps over a 10-year period at their institution. Irradiated flaps (external-beam radiation therapy) after immediate breast reconstruction were compared with nonirradiated flaps. Logistic regression analysis identified potential associations between patient, tumor, and reconstructive characteristics and surgical outcomes. The analysis included 625 flaps: 40 (6.4 percent) irradiated versus 585 (93.6 percent) nonirradiated. Mean follow-up for the irradiated and nonirradiated flaps was 60.0 and 48.5 months, respectively (p = 0.02). Overall complication rates were similar for both the irradiated and nonirradiated flaps. Irradiated flaps (i.e., both DIEP and muscle-sparing free TRAM flaps) developed fat necrosis at a significantly higher rate (22.5 percent) than the nonirradiated flaps (9.2 percent; p = 0.009). There were no differences in fat necrosis rates between the DIEP and muscle-sparing free TRAM flaps in both the irradiated and nonirradiated groups. Both DIEP and muscle-sparing free TRAM flap reconstructions had much higher rates of fat necrosis when irradiated. Contrary to our hypothesis, the authors found that immediate breast reconstruction with a muscle-sparing free TRAM flap does not result in a lower rate of fat necrosis than reconstruction with a DIEP flap. Therapeutic, III.

An Assessment of the Risks and Benefits of Immediate Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Patients Undergoing Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy

The utility of immediate autologous breast reconstruction in patients likely to undergo radiation therapy remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to perform a quantitative outcomes assessment of patients undergoing immediate free-flap breast reconstruction and postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). A retrospective chart review was performed of patients undergoing free-flap breast reconstruction by the senior authors (L.C.W. and J.M.S.) between 2005 and 2009. The treatment group included patients who underwent immediate free-flap breast reconstruction and received PMRT. The control group consisted of patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction without PMRT. Variables assessed included postoperative complications and revision surgery. Four hundred seven women underwent immediate free-flap breast reconstruction for a total of 655 flaps. In the cohort that underwent unilateral reconstruction, there was a higher incidence of volume loss (28.26% vs 4.42%, P < 0.0001) and fat necrosis (19.57% vs 3.54%, P = 0.002) in the PMRT group. In the cohort that underwent bilateral reconstruction, there was a higher rate of volume loss for those in the PMRT group (19.75% vs 1.0%, P < 0.0001). However, for both patients who underwent unilateral reconstruction and those who underwent bilateral reconstruction, the PMRT group underwent similar rates of revision surgery. The cohort that underwent bilateral reconstruction experienced a higher incidence of volume loss in radiated perforator flaps (39%) vs muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps (12%; P = 0.013). Postmastectomy radiation therapy can result in volume loss and fat necrosis, yet there are no increases in other complications or revision procedures. The deleterious effects of PMRT do not preclude the decision for immediate autologous reconstruction.