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Extended transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Kokura Memorial Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|June 1, 1989
Summary
The extended TRAM flap, incorporating epigastric or circumflex iliac vessels, safely enhances blood supply for reconstruction. This technique avoids necrosis in random flap portions, improving outcomes in breast reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- The conventional Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) flap has limitations in blood supply, potentially causing necrosis in its random portion.
- Improving vascularity is crucial for successful TRAM flap reconstructions, particularly in breast reconstruction.
Observation:
- The random portion of the TRAM flap can be extended by including superficial epigastric vessels or superficial circumflex iliac vessels.
- These extended vessels can be anastomosed to recipient vessels to enhance blood circulation.
Findings:
- An extended TRAM flap technique was successfully applied in two patients.
- No complications, such as fat or skin necrosis, were observed in the treated patients.
Implications:
- This vascular enhancement technique offers a safe method to utilize the random portion of the TRAM flap.
- The extended TRAM flap can improve reconstructive options and potentially reduce complications in TRAM flap surgery.