Complication and Morbidity of Donor Site after Free TRAM Flap

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2004;13(1):68-73.
Published online May 31, 2004.

Hee Chang Ahn, M.D., Kun Yong Sung, M.D., Dong In Jo, M.D., Seung Suk Choi, M.D.

횡복직근 유리 피판술후 공여부 합병증과 이환율

안희창·성건용·조동인·최승석

Abstract

  Transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) free flap is widely used for breast reconstruction, however donor-site morbidities such as abdominal wall weakness, hernia, bulging are troublesome. For the purpose of minimizing donor-site morbidity, there has been a surge in interests in muscle sparing free TRAM flap preserving the anatomy of rectus abdominis muscle, fascia, and motor nerve. The purpose of this study is to investigate complication and morbidity after muscle sparing free TRAM flap. Between August, 1995 and May, 2003, there were 108 cases of muscle sparing free TRAM flap of breast reconstruction. There was no abdominal hernia. There were 4 cases of dog ear, 3 cases of marginal necrosis of apron flap, 2 cases of asymmetry of umbilicus. At 1 year after operation, most patients feel comfortness in physical exercise. Muscle sparing free TRAM flap provides ample amount of well vascularized soft tissue with small inclusion of rectus abdominis muscle and fascia. Also it minimizes donor-site morbidity with rapid recovery of abdominal strength.

Key Words: Muscle sparing free TRAM flap.