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Nerve injuries following TRAM flap surgery
1Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, Long Island, NY, USA.
Summary
Positional nerve injuries during transverse rectus abdominous myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction can be prevented. Using gel pads and full arm boards secured patients, eliminating nerve injuries in 91 cases.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Safety
- Neurology
Background:
- Patient positioning during surgery poses a risk for nerve injuries.
- Transverse rectus abdominous myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction is a complex procedure.
- Preventing intraoperative nerve damage is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of specific positioning techniques in preventing nerve injuries.
- To assess the safety of gel pads and full arm boards during TRAM flap surgery.
Main Methods:
- Gel pads were applied to patient arms.
- Patient arms were secured along the entire length of the armboard.
- Data collected from 91 patients undergoing TRAM flap breast reconstruction.
Main Results:
- No intraoperative nerve injuries were reported in the 91 patients studied.
- The implemented positioning protocol was associated with zero nerve injury cases.
Conclusions:
- The use of gel pads and full arm boards effectively prevents positional nerve injuries.
- This positioning strategy enhances patient safety during TRAM flap breast reconstruction.
- Standardizing arm positioning can mitigate surgical risks.