[TRAM flap breast reconstruction using a fascia-sparing technique]

Although the TRAM flap has been accepted as one of the most common methods for breast reconstruction utilizing the autologous tissue, its disadvantage is that scarring of the abdominal sheath and muscle may result in postoperative abdominal bulge or hernia. To solve this problem, the authors developed the fascia-sparing technique in TRAM flap breast reconstruction. The technique, in which most of the anterior rectus sheath is preserved, has been applied in 3 patients after radical mastectomy and 7 patients after modified radical mastectomy. With an average follow-up period of 1 year and 2 months, no abdominal bulge or hernia was noted in any patient without the use of prosthetic mesh for the abdominal closure. This fascia sparing technique is particularly effective for TRAM flap reconstruction requiring bilateral rectus abdominis muscle portions and containing only a few minor perforators, for which a DIEP flap is not suitable.