Related Experiment Videos
TRAM flaps: a reconstructive option after bilateral nipple-sparing total mastectomy
Tuoc Ngoc Dao1, Charles N Verheyden
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Scott and White Memorial Hospital and Clinic, Temple, Texas 76508, USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|September 16, 2005
Summary
Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction is a viable option following bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy for benign breast conditions. Patients reported high satisfaction with both functional and aesthetic outcomes, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Breast Reconstruction
- Oncology
Background:
- Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps are established reconstructive options post-mastectomy.
- Bilateral nipple-sparing total mastectomy (BNSTM) is an alternative for specific patient groups.
- This study evaluates TRAM flap reconstruction after BNSTM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the outcomes of TRAM flap breast reconstruction following bilateral nipple-sparing total mastectomy.
- To evaluate patient satisfaction and aesthetic results in this specific reconstructive scenario.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 16 patients undergoing TRAM flap reconstruction after BNSTM (1992-2002).
- Included both immediate and delayed reconstructions, with pedicled flaps being predominant.
- Patient-reported outcomes and aesthetic evaluations by independent judges were utilized.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (80%) reported fair to excellent cosmetic outcomes.
- Patients experienced satisfactory physical and emotional functioning with no significant negative impact on quality of life.
- Median follow-up was 21 months, ranging from 3 to 90 months.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral nipple-sparing total mastectomy is a suitable option for women with symptomatic breast disease or high familial breast cancer risk.
- Autologous TRAM flap reconstruction is a reasonable choice for selected patients undergoing BNSTM.
- All patients remained cancer-free during the follow-up period (2-21 years).