Monday 24 February 2014

Muscle-sparing TRAM flap does not protect breast reconstruction

Muscle-sparing TRAM flap does not protect breast reconstruction from post-mastectomy radiation damage compared with the DIEP flap.  Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Feb 2014, Vol. 132(2), p.223-33.

Garvey, P.B., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2014/02000/Muscle_Sparing_TRAM_Flap_Does_Not_Protect_Breast.4.aspx

Irradiation to free flaps following immediate breast reconstruction has been shown to compromise outcomes. The authors hypothesized that irradiated muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps experience less fat necrosis than irradiated deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps.