Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Research Articles

A Preliminary Experience of Endoscopic Total Mastectomy With Immediate Free Abdominal-Based Perforator Flap Reconstruction Using Minimal Incisions, and Literature Review.

Endoscopic total mastectomy (ETM) is predominantly performed with reconstruction using prostheses, lipofilling, omental flaps, latissimus dorsi flaps, or a combination of these techniques. Common approaches include minimal incisions, e.g., periareolar, inframammary, axillary, or mid-axillary line, which limit the technical ability to perform autologous flap insets and microvascular anastomoses, as such the ETM with free abdominal-based perforator flap reconstruction has not been robustly explored. We studied female patients with breast cancer who underwent ETM and abdominal-based flap reconstruction. Clinical-radiological-pathological characteristics, surgery, complications, recurrence rates, and aesthetic outcomes were reviewed. Twelve patients underwent ETM with abdominal-based flap reconstruction. The mean age was 53.4 years (range 36-65). Of the patients, 33.3% were surgically treated for stage I, 58.4% for stage II, and 8.3% for stage III cancer. Mean tumor size was 35.4 mm (range 1-67). Mean specimen weight was 458.75 g (range 242-800). Of the patients, 92.3% successfully received endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy and 7.7% underwent intraoperative conversion to skin-sparing mastectomy after carcinoma was reported on frozen section of the nipple base. Mean operative time for ETM was 139 minutes (92-198), and the average ischemic time was 37.3 minutes (range 22-50). Fifty percent of patients underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator, 33.4% underwent MS-2 transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM), 8.3% underwent MS-1 TRAM, and 8.3% underwent pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. No cases required re-exploration, no flap failure occurred, margins were clear, and no skin or nipple-areolar complex ischemia/necrosis developed. In the aesthetic outcome evaluation, 16.7% were excellent, 75% good, 8.3% fair, and none were unsatisfactory. No recurrences were observed. ETM through a minimal-access inferior mammary or mid-axillary line approach, followed by immediate pedicled TRAM or free abdominal-based perforator flap reconstruction, can be a safe means of achieving an "aesthetically scarless" mastectomy and reconstruction through minimal incisions.

Is It Reasonable to Use Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging to Determine the Border of Pedicled TRAM Flap Zone IV?

Background:The contralateral lateral section (zone IV) of a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is generally removed intraoperatively. The border of zone IV is usually identified anatomically using the Hartrampf classification. In this study, we used the indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence method to determine the border of zone IV and find the correlation with clinical flap outcome.Methods:The study recruited breast cancer patients who underwent a pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. The border of zone IV was identified using the intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging. The medial border of the removed specimen was sent for a pathological examination of vascular density.Results:A total of 29 patients underwent a pedicled TRAM reconstruction. In 16 patients, the border of zone IV identified by ICG fluorescent imaging was identical to the anatomical border. The ICG imaging showed distinct perfusion patterns, which we divided into 4 categories: sequential, simultaneous, low midline scar, and delayed pattern. Overall, there were no patient with total flap loss, 1 patient had a partial flap loss and 4 patients had a fat necrosis. Neither the ICG perfusion time nor the pathological vascular density correlates with the clinical flap outcome. The delayed ICG perfusion pattern (category IV) has the highest fat necrosis rate, although it is not statistically significant.Conclusions:In this study, more than half of the patients have ICG perfusion corresponding with the Hartrampf zone, which reflected the conventional practice of zone IV pedicled TRAM flap removal. Some ICG perfusion patterns could be helpful, especially in low midline and delayed pattern.

Geometric Measurements of Nipple Position in Breasts Reconstructed with Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap: A 5-Year Prospective Study.

After breast reconstruction, nipple position and other long-term changes in the reconstructed breast relative to the contralateral breast remain poorly understood. In this prospective cohort study, the authors performed serial nipple position measurements over 5 years in patients who had undergone breast reconstruction with a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap. The effects of adjuvant radiotherapy on nipple position over time were also investigated. The authors studied 150 patients who had undergone nipple-sparing mastectomy, using radial incision followed by immediate unilateral pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Measurements of sternal notch-to-nipple, midline-to-nipple, and inframammary fold-to-nipple distances were performed 1 day before reconstruction and 6, 12, 36, and 60 months after surgery, on patients' reconstructed and nonoperated breasts. The average sternal notch-to-nipple distance increased in both reconstructed and nonoperated breasts at every follow-up visit, with an average difference of 0.393 cm at the 60-month visit (p < 0.0001). Comparing the pattern of distance change, reconstructed breasts tend to change more slowly than nonoperated breasts until 36 months postoperatively. In irradiated breasts, the sternal notch-to-nipple distance was significantly smaller than in nonirradiated breasts, and nipple position changed minimally between 1 and 3 years after surgery. Nipple position in TRAM flap-reconstructed breasts changed over time compared with that in nonoperated breasts, especially along the vertical axis. The pattern of nipple position change in reconstructed breasts became similar to nonoperated breasts 3 years after surgery. In patients who had undergone adjuvant radiation therapy, nipple position remained consistent for 1 to 3 years. Therapeutic, IV.

Application of dual-pedicle abdominal flap for unilateral breast reconstruction

To explore the effectiveness of dual-pedicle abdominal flap for unilateral breast reconstruction. Between March 2014 and March 2018, a clinical data of 19 female patients underwent dual-pedicle abdominal flap reconstruction because of unilateral mastectomy defect was reviewed retrospectively. The median age was 45 years (range, 32-51 years), including 3 immediate breast reconstruction and 16 delayed breast reconstruction, and left side in 7 cases and right side in 12 cases. Unilateral breast reconstruction were performed for 8 patients with unilateral pedicle transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap and contralateral free TRAM flap, for 3 patients with pedicle TRAM flap and contralateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, for 7 patients with bilateral DIEP flaps, for 1 patient with free muscle-sparing TRAM flap and contralateral DIEP flap. The size of abdominal flap ranged from 24 cm×7 cm to 43 cm×13 cm. The donor sites were closed directly. Vascular crisis ocuurred in 1 flap and relieved after surgical exploration. The other flaps survived. Poor wound healing in abdominal incision occurred in 1 patient and was successfully treated with debridement. The other donor sites healed without any other complication. The patients were followed up with a median period of 12 months (range, 4-42 months). Four patients received reparative operation of their reconstructive breast, and 2 patients received mamopexy of the contralateral breast due to mastoptosis. The abdominal BREAST-Q score was 84.1±11.7, chest score was 86.5±8.9, and breast score was 67.6±16.4 at last follow-up. The dual-pedicle abdominal flap for unilateral breast reconstruction provides adequate soft tissue volume and good blood supply. It is a reliable and effective breast reconstructive method for patients who need large tissue volume to make symmetric with the contralateral breast, or slim patients with few tissue in the donor site, or patients with scars in the donor site, especially vertical abdominal scars.

Complications in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: One-year Outcomes of the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium (MROC) Study.

In postmastectomy reconstruction, procedure choice is heavily influenced by the relative risks of the various options. This study sought to evaluate complications in a large, multicenter patient population. Previous studies have reported widely varying complication rates, but have been limited by their single center designs and inadequate controlling for confounders in their analyses. Eleven sites enrolled women undergoing first time, immediate, or delayed reconstruction following mastectomy for cancer treatment or prophylaxis. Procedures included expander/implant, latissimus dorsi (LD), pedicle transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (PTRAM), free TRAM (FTRAM), and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) techniques. Data were gathered pre- and postoperatively from medical records. Separate logistic regressions were conducted for all complications and major complications (those requiring rehospitalization and/or reoperation) within 1 year. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for procedure type, controlling for site, demographic, and clinical variables. Complication rates for 2234 patients were analyzed. Compared with expander/implant reconstructions, LD (OR) 1.95, P = 0.026), PTRAM (OR 1.89, P = 0.025), FTRAM (OR 1.94, P = 0.011), and DIEP (OR 2.22, P < 0.001) procedures were associated with higher risks of complications. Significantly higher risks were also associated with older age, higher body mass index (BMI), immediate reconstruction, bilateral procedures, and radiation. For major complications, regression showed significantly greater risks for PTRAM (OR 1.86, P = 0.044) and DIEP (OR 1.75, P = 0.004), than expander/implant reconstructions. Failure rates were relatively low, ranging from 0% for PTRAM to 5.9% for expander/implant reconstructions. In this multicenter analysis, procedure choice and other patient variables were significant predictors of 1-year complications in breast reconstruction. These findings should be considered in counseling patients on reconstructive options.

Enhancement of vascular endothelial growth factor’s angiogenic capacity by the therapeutic modulation of notch signalling improves tram flap survival in rats submitted to nicotine

Background: Smoke of cigarettes, and specifically nicotine, has been shown to diminish pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap survival. Considering that Notch signalling through its ligand Delta-like 4 (Dll4) functions as anti-angiogenic factor by inhibiting the pro-angiogenic effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), it is hypothesised that inhibition of the Notch would promote angiogenesis and increase TRAM flap survival in rats submitted to nicotine.Methods: Twenty rats were treated with nicotine for 28 days preoperatively. Thereafter, a pedicled TRAM flap was created in all animals. The Notch inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-1-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine-t-butyl-ester was administered in animals of the treatment group. Animals in the control group were given the same amount of solvent. Five days after the surgery, viable flap areas were determined. Skin samples were evaluated for VEGF and Dll4 mRNA levels. Immunohistochemical analysis was used for the assessment of endothelial Dll4 expression. Vascular density was determined histologically. Plasma levels of VEGF and Dll4 were measured.Results: A significant improvement in TRAM flap surviving area was observed in the treatment group (53.50 ± 14.25%) compared with the controls (32.20 ± 9.15%). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of Dll4 stained vessels in animals of the treatment group (9.2 ± 1.6) in comparison with the controls (5.7 ± 1.9). VEGF mRNA levels (0.22 ± 0.08) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (0.36 ± 0.09).Conclusion: Notch inhibition significantly improved TRAM flap survival in animals exposed to nicotine by promoting VEGF-induced angiogenesis.

Selective salvage of zones 2 and 4 in the pedicled TRAM flap: a focus on reducing fat necrosis and improving aesthetic outcomes.

The introduction of microsurgery has decreased the frequency of using the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, owing to its higher incidence of fat necrosis and limitations in flap insetting (vs. the free TRAM flap). We devised an efficient method of using zones 2 and 4, based on the pedicled flap’s vascular anatomy, to reduce fat necrosis and achieve superior aesthetic outcomes during immediate breast reconstruction using the pedicled TRAM flap. Between April 2011 and February 2015, we performed immediate breast reconstruction using the contralateral unipedicled TRAM flap for 136 breast cancer patients. The conventional method (insetting by removing zone 4 and part of zone 2) was used for 83 patients (Group A), and selective salvage of zones 2 and 4 (our proposed method) was used for 53 patients (Group B). Fat necrosis was observed in 17 patients (20.48 %) and 4 patients (7.55 %) from Groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.033). The average patient satisfaction scores at 6 months (comparing the reconstructed and contralateral breasts) were 7.01 and 8.02 in Groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Liposuction to improve the upper-pole contour was performed at 6 months for 13 patients in Group A, although no patients in Group B required a secondary procedure (p = 0.002). Fat necrosis can be reduced via selective salvage of zones 2 and 4, based on the pedicled TRAM flap’s vascular anatomy. Furthermore, superior aesthetic outcomes can be achieved via flap insetting using the three-dimensional concept. Level of evidence Procedure comparison, Level II.

The Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on Survival of Rat TRAM Flap With Vertical Midline Scar

The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has been widely used in various reconstructive surgeries. Recently, there have been reports regarding the positive effect of botulinum toxin A (BoTA) on flap survival. We hypothesized that pretreatment with BoTA could augment the survival of pedicled TRAM flaps with a vertical midline scar. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups, namely, control group and BoTA group. Five days after a vertical midline incision, the BoTA group was pretreated with BoTA, whereas the control group was pretreated with normal saline. Ten days after the initial incision, the TRAM flap was harvested. We evaluated the gross flap survival and analyzed the overall histologic change, lumen area of pedicle, and microvessel density with immunohistochemistry. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed for the evaluation of angiogenesis-related factors. In the BoTA group, the gross flap survival rate was significantly higher than that in the control group on both ipsilateral and contralateral sides (P < 0.001). In the BoTA group, a significant increase in pedicle lumen area was observed (P < 0.001). In the control group, mild to moderate epidermal necrosis was seen; microvessels were relatively small compared with those of the BoTA group. According to immunohistochemistry, the number of CD31 positively stained vessels was significantly higher on the contralateral side in the control group compared to that in the BoTA group (P < 0.001). The relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of CD31 was significantly lower in the BoTA group than that in the control group on both ipsilateral and contralateral sides (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the relative mRNA expression of VEGF was significantly higher in the BoTA group than in the control group on both ipsilateral and contralateral sides (P < 0.001).We believe that preoperative BoTA therapy is a feasible method to improve circulation of the rat TRAM flap with a vertical midline incision scar.

Angiographic Delay

Selective embolization of the inferior epigastric arteries can serve as a method for transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap delay. The purpose of this study was to determine whether delay by selective arterial embolization is comparable to traditionally surgically delayed TRAM flaps as reported in the literature, in terms of skin and fat necrosis, and to examine whether certain risk factors play a role in TRAM flap fat necrosis despite angiographic delay. Retrospective chart review was performed for 88 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral TRAM flap breast reconstruction after selective embolization of bilateral inferior epigastric arteries. Between 1997 and 2009, 88 pedicled TRAM flaps were performed for breast reconstruction in women with a mean age of 49.7 years. No patients had flap skin necrosis or total flap loss. In all, 13.6% patients had TRAM flap fat necrosis. Two patients in the TRAM fat necrosis group (16.7%) had a positive history of smoking, which was a statistically significant risk factor for necrosis (P = 0.048). Outcomes of pedicled TRAM flaps delayed by selective arterial embolization are comparable to historical controls of those delayed by traditional surgical means (ligation of artery and vein) and better than nondelayed flaps. Smoking remains a significant risk factor for TRAM flap fat necrosis despite the benefit of delay.

Posterior Dissection of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle during TRAM Flap Harvest for the Preservation of Medial Row Perforators

Sir: Medial row perforators are essential for maintenance of adequate perfusion to zone IV of the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap. A posterior dissection of the anterior rectus sheath toward the midline can facilitate visualization and preservation of these perforators, which are often inadvertently sacrificed during flap harvest. The senior author (J.A.A.) has successfully used this posterior approach technique in 253 consecutive pedicled TRAM flaps with no flap losses. In many of these flaps, zone IV was successfully preserved. The flap is raised on both sides beginning laterally, with careful dissection up to but not crossing the abdominal midline on the side contralateral to the pedicle. On the ipsilateral side, careful dissection proceeds until lateral perforators are identified. The anterior rectus sheath is then divided longitudinally just lateral to this lateral row of perforators, and the rectus muscle is isolated along its lateral edge. The rectus muscle is then elevated off the posterior rectus sheath beginning at its lateral edge until the linea alba is visualized. From its deep side, the anterior sheath is then dissected free from the rectus muscle going laterally from the midline until the medial perforators are clearly seen. These perforators are usually found anywhere from 1 or 2 mm to approximately 1.5 cm lateral to the linea alba. The anterior rectus sheath is then incised longitudinally from its posterior aspect, just medial to the medial perforators (Fig. 1). This dissection continues cranially from the inferior border of the flap, with continued preservation of the medial perforators exiting the rectus muscle medially and piercing the anterior sheath near the linea alba (Fig. 2).Fig. 1.: Anterior rectus sheath being incised after the medial perforators have been identified along its posterior surface. Note easily visible perforator near tip of dissecting scissors.Fig. 2.: Diagram of the described posterior approach of TRAM flap dissection, showing preservation of lateral and medial row perforators.Perfusion of the TRAM flap can be described in four zones, with zone IV representing the least well-perfused section, farthest from the vascular pedicle of the flap, and contralateral to it.1 During flap elevation and dissection, many surgeons routinely divide and discard this segment because of its poor vascular quality. Preservation of appropriate blood flow to zone IV ensures a more reliable and larger flap, and may reduce the incidence of ischemia-related flap complications. The highest concentration of perforators to the TRAM flap is near the umbilicus. Once these perforators have exited the rectus muscle, however, they often undertake a transverse course before piercing the anterior rectus sheath.2 Understanding the location of these perforators is important in preventing their inadvertent transection. Although the nervous supply to the flap more consistently accompanies the lateral row of perforators, it is the medial row that mainly supplies perfusion to the contralateral side of the flap.3,4 As has been documented in anatomical studies, some medial perforators are easily identified on the posterior aspect of the sheath as they pierce through it, but they become difficult to see on its anterior surface once they have experienced significant changes in diameter and/or orientation.5 We therefore suggest a posterior approach to the dissection of the rectus abdominis muscle during TRAM flap harvest, as we find that it facilitates adequate visualization and preservation of these crucial medial row perforators. DISCLOSURE No funds were obtained to support this work. The authors have no financial interest to declare. Sophie Bartsich, M.D. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, M.D. Division of Plastic Surgery Department of Surgery Columbia University Medical Center New York, N.Y.

Evolution of the Pedicled TRAM Flap

Although free flap has largely replaced pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, the latter has also evolved by increased understanding of anatomy and physiology. We report the outcomes in 500 consecutive pedicled TRAM in Asian patients performed by a single surgeon, providing incidences of complications and ideas of prevention. Fascia was minimally harvested with full width of muscle. The eighth intercostals nerve was severed and back-cut was made at the lateral belly. Anterior rectus sheath was directly repaired. Breast complication occurred in 24.6% with the most common being skin envelope necrosis. Major flap loss occurred in 1 (0.2%), and the incidence of fat necrosis was 14.2%. Abdominal complication rate was 16.4%, and bulging occurred in 3%. Exercise performance was almost completely restored after 1 year. Pedicled TRAM is still a competitive procedure with overall flap survival rate of 99.8%, yielding consistent results with acceptable complication rates for most patients under experienced hands.

500 Consecutive Patients with Free TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Single Surgeon’s Experience

This study reports on the longitudinal experience and outcomes of one surgeon performing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps on 500 consecutive patients between 1992 and 2003. A retrospective review of hospital and outpatient records was performed. Specific risk factors for successful reconstruction were reviewed, including American Society of Anesthesiologists class, obesity, smoking, medical comorbidities, and irradiation and chemotherapy history. Outcomes measured included the length of hospital stay and the incidence of complications including both thrombotic and nonthrombotic complications. Five hundred sixty-nine free TRAM breast reconstructions were performed in a total of 500 patients. Preoperative patient risk factors included obesity, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac disease, with three-fourths of the patients being American Society of Anesthesiologists class II or III. Intraoperative or postoperative thrombosis occurred in 35 reconstructions (6.2 percent). Only one patient had a total flap loss, for a flap success rate of 99.7 percent. Significant nonthrombotic complications occurred in 67 patients (13.4 percent). The most common nonthrombotic complications included wound infection (3 percent), fat necrosis (3 percent), and delayed healing (3 percent). Revision procedures after free TRAM reconstruction were performed in 14.4 percent of cases. The free TRAM flap is a highly reliable method of autogenous breast reconstruction in a broad spectrum of patients. This free flap has a very low thrombotic complication rate, and abdominal donor defect problems have been limited. Finally, this method of reconstruction can be reliably offered to a wide group of patients, including those considered at high risk for a pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction.

Postoperative analgesia and flap perfusion after pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction – continuous wound instillation with ropivacaine 0.2%. A pilot study

Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap surgery is a complex procedure characterised by an extensive wound site. We present a pilot study with 17 patients receiving continuous wound instillation with ropivacaine or isotonic saline. Patients undergoing TRAM flap surgery were included in the study and randomised to the ropi group or the control group. Two catheters were placed subcutaneously before wound site closure. At the end of surgery patients received a single shot dose of 20 ml ropivacaine 0.2% or isotonic saline. After surgery the continuous instillation of ropivacaine or isotonic saline was commenced at an infusion rate of 10 ml/h per catheter. The perfusion of the TRAM flap was measured intraoperatively and postoperatively over 48 h. Pain scores, patient satisfaction, and the quality of recovery score were also assessed postoperatively over 48 h. Ropivacaine plasma levels were quantified 24 and 48 h after start of infusion. Pain scores at rest and on coughing were lower for the ropi group and reached significance in the first 8h at rest (P=0.007). Patient satisfaction, quality of recovery score, and adverse events were also comparable between the groups. Patients of the ropi group had bowel movement earlier than the control group (P=0.003). No differences were seen in the flap perfusion. Ropivacaine plasma levels were within therapeutic range. Our data show a trend that continuous wound instillation of ropivacaine 0.2% increases pain relief after TRAM flap surgery with earlier bowel movement than intravenous opioid patient controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) alone. A does of 960 mg of ropivacaine daily did not result in toxic plasma concentrations. Ropivacaine 0.2% did not show a vasoconstrictor effect.

Comparison of Fat Necrosis Between Zone II and Zone III in Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flaps

Fat necrosis in transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is considered to be mainly affected by blood supply. This prospective study compares the incidence of fat necrosis between zones II and III in 400 consecutive patients who had undergone unipedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Fifty-eight patients (14.5%) suffered from fat necrosis, and 7 had 2 separate nodules. Fifty-four occurred in zone II, 10 in zone III, and 1 in zone I. The incidence of fat necrosis in zone II was significantly higher than in zone III (P < 0.001). The weight of the mastectomy specimen and the relative amount of zone II tissue included in the flap had positive correlation with the incidence of fat necrosis. This result implies relatively poor perfusion of zone II compared with zone III.

Surgical outcomes of breast reconstruction: comparison of autogenous tissue and expander/implant techniques

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is an important aspect of cancer care. Surgical outcomes data help patients navigate the complex decision-making process of choosing an implant or an autogenous tissue reconstructive technique. In general, complications rates are similar across procedure types. However, both pedicle and free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) procedures are associated with an 11–18% decrease in flexion peak torque. However, no significant difference in flexion peak torque has been found between patients with pedicle and free TRAM reconstructions. In addition, patients with TRAM compared with expander/implant procedures appear to be more aesthetically satisfied and have greater gains in body image. In summary, with a variety of reconstructive procedures available, choosing the ‘right’ operation can be a daunting task. Outcomes data can provide patients with objective, reliable information to assist in surgical decision making.

Use of Regenerative Human Acellular Tissue (AlloDerm) to Reconstruct the Abdominal Wall following Pedicle TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Harvest of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps for breast reconstruction leaves a variable defect in the anterior rectus fascia. Inadequate closure of the defect could lead to the development of hernia or abdominal wall bulging. Various techniques have been developed to reduce the incidence of hernia and abdominal wall bulging. The authors describe a novel technique of using a regenerative human acellular matrix (AlloDerm) as a fascial substitute in closing the defect. Fifty-four consecutive patients who opted for pedicle TRAM flap procedures for breast reconstruction postmastectomy were scheduled for donor-site repair with the use of AlloDerm. AlloDerm was placed interpositionally as an inlay graft to mimic the anterior rectus fascia. Hernia or infection did not develop in any of the patients. There was a greater incidence of seroma and bulging among the first 18 patients, with eight seromas (44.4 percent) and six bulges (33.3 percent). When the technique was ameliorated in the next 36 patients, there was a reduction in the incidence of seromas (16.7 percent, p = 0.03) and bulges (16.7 percent, p = 0.17). Of the three patients who experienced wound dehiscence, partial AlloDerm exposure occurred in two, but was resolved without further consequences. Biopsy specimens of AlloDerm, obtained 12 and 14 months after TRAM donor-site repair, showed full tissue integration. The cell density, vasculature, and collagen orientation in the biopsies were consistent with abdominal fascia tissue. Based on these results, the authors recommend the use of AlloDerm as an alternative option for abdominal fascia closure after TRAM flap harvest for breast reconstruction.

A Two-Year Prospective Analysis of Trunk Function in TRAM Breast Reconstructions

Functional outcomes in breast reconstruction are important quality measures and aid in patients' decision-making process. To address the concerns of abdominal wall morbidity with transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstructions, the authors prospectively evaluated the long-term effects of postmastectomy breast reconstruction on trunk function using objective clinical measures. Using a multicenter prospective cohort design, they recruited women undergoing first-time immediate or delayed breast reconstructions from 12 centers and 23 plastic surgeons. Trunk functional data, objectively measured with Cybex machines, for patients with an expander/implant, pedicle TRAM, and free TRAM reconstructions were evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative years 1 and 2 in 183 patients. The effects of procedure type, timing, and laterality on trunk peak torque and range of motion were analyzed using linear regression. At 2 years postoperatively, procedure type, timing, and laterality did not significantly affect the range of motion for trunk flexion and extension. Peak torque for trunk flexion at year 2 was significantly decreased in patients with TRAM compared with expander/implant reconstructions (p < 0.05), with a 6 to 19 percent decrease in flexion peak torque. However, no significant difference in flexion peak torque was found between patients with free and pedicle TRAM reconstructions. The authors found that (1) breast cancer patients with TRAM reconstructions had a less than 20 percent long-term deficit in trunk flexion peak torque and (2) there was no significant difference in trunk function between patients receiving pedicle and free TRAM reconstructions.

DIEP and Pedicled TRAM Flaps: A Comparison of Outcomes

Studies comparing similar and sizable numbers of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstructions are lacking. The authors hoped to determine whether the DIEP flap has advantages over the pedicled TRAM flap for breast reconstruction. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of women undergoing breast reconstruction over a 9-year period at a single institution. Patients were grouped by type of reconstruction: DIEP or pedicled TRAM. Only patients with at least 3 months of postoperative follow-up were studied. A total of 190 women underwent unilateral breast reconstructions (96 DIEP and 94 pedicled TRAM flaps). The patient groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, preoperative chest wall irradiation and abdominal operations, and cancer stage. The median hospital stay for the DIEP group was shorter than that for the pedicled TRAM group (4 versus 5 days, p < .001). Operative time for the DIEP group (5:53 hours) was longer than that for the pedicled TRAM group (4:46 hours, p < .001). The fat necrosis rates for the pedicled TRAM group were higher (58.5 percent) than those for the DIEP group (17.7 percent, p < .001). Abdominal wall hernias occurred more frequently in pedicled TRAM (16.0 percent) than DIEP patients (1.0 percent, p < .001). Abdominal wall bulge rates were similar for both groups (DIEP 9.4 percent versus pedicled TRAM 14.9 percent). DIEP flap reconstruction can be performed with lower morbidity rates and shorter hospital stays than pedicled TRAM reconstruction. Specifically, fat necrosis and abdominal wall hernias are less common in DIEP patients than in pedicled TRAM patients, while flap failure and abdominal wall bulging rates are similar in the two patient groups. These data support the DIEP flap as the preferred option over the pedicled TRAM flap for autologous breast reconstruction in postmastectomy patients.

Breast Cancer Local Recurrence after Mastectomy and TRAM Flap Reconstruction: Incidence and Treatment Options

The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is the standard in autologous breast reconstruction. The management of local recurrence of breast cancer after TRAM flap breast reconstruction has not been well described. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of local recurrence of breast cancer after TRAM flap breast reconstruction, evaluate treatment modalities, and determine outcomes in such cases. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with a free or pedicled TRAM flap over a 15-year period. Those patients who experienced local breast cancer recurrence were identified. A subset of complete skin-sparing mastectomy patients was also identified for review. From 1987 to 2002, 419 TRAM flap breast reconstructions were performed in 395 patients. Thirty-four (9 percent) were complete skin-sparing mastectomy using a periareolar mastectomy incision only. The mean follow-up time in this study was 4.9 years (range, 1 to 14.7 years). Local recurrence occurred in 16 of 419 patients (3.8 percent), with a mean time to local recurrence of 1.6 years (range, 0.2 to 7.0 years). There were no local recurrences seen in patients following complete skin-sparing mastectomy. Treatment of local recurrence included excision, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplant. Only three of the 16 patients (19 percent) required removal of the entire TRAM flap to manage local breast cancer recurrence. Nine of 16 patients (56 percent) with local recurrence died of disease at a mean of 1.2 years after the development of recurrence. Long-term follow-up demonstrated a local recurrence rate after TRAM flap breast reconstruction similar to that reported in the literature. Local recurrence was effectively managed with surgical excision of the involved tissues, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Removal of the entire TRAM flap was only necessary in the setting of multifocal recurrence or involvement of the flap pedicle with disease. The risk of local recurrence was not increased following complete skin-sparing mastectomy.

Dichloroacetate Reduces Tissue Necrosis in a Rat Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap Model

Ischemia-related complications may occur during postmastectomy transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction. The aim of our study was to investigate whether necrosis of susceptible flap regions could be reduced by dichloroacetate (DCA)-induced stimulation of oxidative metabolism in hypoxic tissue. The study was a randomized control trial using male Sprague-Dawley rats. A pedicled TRAM flap based upon the right inferior epigastric artery was elevated and reapproximated. Animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups (n = 6). Group I received no DCA; groups II through V were administered 75 mg/kg DCA orally 24 hours preoperative; in addition, groups II through IV received 75 mg/kg/d DCA orally postoperative for 4 days; group III also received 75 mg/kg DCA (IP) intraoperatively; groups IV and V were given 15 mg/kg/d DCA orally for 6 days before the 24-hour preoperative treatment. Four days postsurgery, skin paddles were photographed and assessed for viability. Underlying TRAM muscle was biopsied for histologic analysis. Blood lactate levels were measured at pre- and postoperative time points. The mean percentages of viable skin paddle were as follows: 32.0%+/- 4.0% (group I), 68.1% +/- 6.2% (group II), 84.3% +/- 5.9% (group III), 92.8% +/- 2.0% (group IV), 82.6% +/- 5.8% (group V). Statistically significant differences were found in all experimental (DCA) groups relative to the controls (P < 0.01). Group IV (6-day DCA preconditioning, plus 24-hour preoperative and 4-day postoperative treatment) displayed the greatest improvement in flap viability, significantly better than other DCA groups (P < 0.01). Group IV also had significantly lower serum lactate levels than controls (P < 0.05). Histologic examination of muscle biopsies revealed reductions in inflammation and necrosis correlating with DCA treatment and skin paddle survival. This study indicates that DCA may provide a useful pharmacologic tool for reducing ischemia-related necrosis in TRAM flaps.