Breast Reconstruction with Microvascular MS-TRAM and DIEP Flaps.

Author: David W CHANG ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. dchang@mdanderson.org
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Free tissue flaps; Mammaplasty; Mastectomy
MeSH: Breast; Diclofenac; Fat Necrosis; Female; Free Tissue Flaps; Mammaplasty; Mastectomy; Patient Selection; Rectus Abdominis; Skin; Subcutaneous Tissue
From:Archives of Plastic Surgery 2012;39(1):3-10
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: The free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps involve transferring skin and subcutaneous tissue from the lower abdominal area and have many features that make them well suited for breast reconstruction. The robust blood supply of the free flap reduces the risk of fat necrosis and also enables aggressive shaping of the flap for breast reconstruction to optimize the aesthetic outcome. In addition, the free MS-TRAM flap and DIEP flap require minimal donor-site sacrifice in most cases. With proper patient selection and safe surgical technique, the free MS-TRAM flap and DIEP flap can transfer the lower abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue to provide an aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction with minimal donor-site morbidity.