Tram Flap Advise

[rhea26]

Hi, my mom has breast cancer and went through chemo which was supposed to be followed by radiation. But due to another disease (Dermatomyositis) they refuse to give it to her so now she needs a total masectomy. The surgeon has discussed the tram flap as an option for reconstruction.. He has discussed the possible risks and complications but would like to know if anyone who has had the surgery can give us some insight of your experience with it

[maryg]

I have to make a decision soon between tram flap or expander with implant to follow on one breast?  The other breast already has a silicone implant - plastic surgeon is recommending the tram flap, but the scars seem more severe.  Any comments would be helpful!

[sundancehound]

I would hesitate to recommend a TRAM flap to anyone, since I had one and had every complication in the book from a hernia- seroma from the hernia and I don't fel the reconstructed breast looks to hot!  It was a long very difficult surgery (7hrs) and if a patient insn't in tip top health it could be very dangerous to be under anesthesia that long-

[Deb10]

Hi
I had a the tram flap surgery in 2002. It was the best decision I could have made. I could not have asked for better results.
I too was diagnosed with dermatomyositis in December 2003 and I know that it a miserable & debilitating disease. I am now taking Prednisone and I'm doing very well. I want you to know that there is hope.
My advice to you is go for the tram flap. I think you will be very pleased.
God Bless You
Deb

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear rhea26:  In general, women do very well with TRAM flap, although it is a bigger surgery and complications can occur.  You may want to meet with the plastic surgeon to be certain that the dermatomyositis will not impact the success of the TRAM flap.

[surgeon]

I would be sure to ask to what extent dermatomyositis would affect the success of the TRAM flap.