Double-pedicle TRAM flap for unilateral breast reconstruction.

Abstract

Autogenous breast reconstruction with the pedicled TRAM flap has been employed in 500 patients in our series. We have developed and refined indications for use of the single-pedicle TRAM flap and double-pedicle TRAM flap in unilateral breast reconstruction. In our experience with 341 unilateral breast reconstructions, we used a double-pedicle TRAM flap 19 percent of the time; however, in our most recent 50 unilateral modified radical mastectomy reconstructions, the double-pedicle technique has been employed 60 percent of the time. In general, when a TRAM flap is chosen for unilateral reconstruction of a modified radical mastectomy defect, we feel the single-pedicle TRAM flap is the procedure of choice. Carefully selected patients will benefit from the added safety of a double-pedicle TRAM procedure. The indications for the double-pedicle TRAM flap, the technique, and our results are described in detail.