TRAM

TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) is a type of reconstructive surgery often used in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The procedure involves the use of tissue from the lower abdomen, which is then transferred to the chest to create a new breast mound.

Procedure

The TRAM flap procedure can be performed in two ways: pedicled and free. In a pedicled TRAM flap, the tissue remains attached to its original blood supply and is tunneled under the skin to the chest. In a free TRAM flap, the tissue is completely detached from its original location and reattached to blood vessels in the chest using microsurgery.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The TRAM flap procedure has several advantages, including the use of the patient's own tissue, which can result in a more natural look and feel. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as a longer recovery time compared to other types of breast reconstruction and the potential for complications such as hernia or abdominal wall weakness.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to the TRAM flap procedure, including the DIEP flap and Latissimus Dorsi flap procedures. These procedures also use the patient's own tissue for breast reconstruction, but they involve different donor sites and surgical techniques.

See Also

• Breast reconstruction
• Mastectomy
• Microsurgery
• DIEP flap
• Latissimus Dorsi flap

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