Study on Abdominal Sequelae after Free TRAM Flap or Rectus Abdominis Muscular Free Flap Operation.

Minn, Kyung Won; Han, Sang Baek; Lee, Yoon Ho; Kim, Suk Wha

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Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 1999;26(2):257-262.
Published online March 1, 1999.

Study on Abdominal Sequelae after Free TRAM Flap or Rectus Abdominis Muscular Free Flap Operation.

Kyung Won Minn, Sang Baek Han, Yoon Ho Lee, Suk Wha Kim

Abstract

The TRAM flap provides the safe creation of a durable, soft, natural-appearing breast mound and has thus become the most popular method of breast reconstruction. On the other hand, the rectus muscle can be used as a good donor site for a flap reconstruction in trauma or osteomyelitis cases on the lower extremity. The abdominal sequelae, including abdominal wall dysfunction after free rectus muscle transfer, was evaluated. Thirty-seven patients underwent free TRAM (n=29) or rectus abdominis muscular free flap(n = 8) operations between 1994 and 1997. In harvesting of the TRAM flap, a muscle-splitting technique was used and thus one-quarter of the muscle was preserved. In rectus muscular free flap, the entire width of the rectus abdominis muscle was harvested. Among the 37 patients, 26 patients (20 free TRAM flap and 6 rectus muscular free flap) were studied, for they were followed up postoperatively for at least 6 months and had provided preoperative data of abdominal strength. Cosmetic results of the abdomem were appraised by four independent judges on photographs taken of 26 patients. The global appearance of the abdomen was rated as "natural" in 75%. The scar on the umbilicus and lower abdomen was rated as acceptable or not visible in 65%. The replies to questionnaires were analyzed Patient self-assessment showed general satisfaction. In 24 of 26 answers, they said they would recommend the operation to others, and 70% of the patients found their abdominal strength and sports ability the same or improved. Thirty percent of the patients complained that back pain developed or became aggravated after surgery. Abdominal muscular strength was tested both preoperatively and 6 months to 1 year period after surgery according to Lacote. The abdominal wall function was impaired, especially in the upper rectus and external oblique muscle. In conclusion even though the abdominal sequelae after free TRAM or rectus muscular free flap reconstruction should not be urderestimated, no problem of clinical significance was encountered, and patients showed a high degree of satisfaction with the operation

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