TRAM FLAP NIGHTMARE

[marta565]

I have had surgeries since March, 2010.  We were recommended to do a tram flap after my diagnose of breast cancer DCIS.  I agreed because didn't want to have breast implants and then revisit in 10 yrs.  After my first surgery, I contracted a very bad infection in the incision, they have to clean up the area multiple times; from April to August 2010, and left it open wound for a space of three weeks..  They closed the incision again, and after that I had my first hernia surgery on September 2010.  After that one, I had every year after, a hernia repair surgery and waiting at this moment for the decision of a new one.  I'm really disappointed that I wasn't told about all the complications that this surgery can or might have.  The only thing was mentioned if that I couldn't do any more sit ups and that to get out of bed will need to roll to my side and then push myself with my arms.  They never told me that I will loose strength in my  legs, or that I will get exhausted if I walk more that 5 minutes.  Or that I would have this bulges in my abdomen all the time.  It is enough with the pain of the arm and the underarm, after you have a mastectomy, but to not be able, to do ANYTHING is frustrating and debilitating.  I can't bend down, or pick anything, I can't function in my household, I need help for everything, even to get up from a chair.  It has changed my functionality and sadly for the worst.  I hope I have all the information that I'm getting now, after I keep having my hernia repair surgeries.  Before I couldn't find anything negative about this surgery (Tram Flap) and that is completely upsetting.  No one mentioned the DIEP flap surgery, that would've been an alternative in addition to the transplants.  WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MORE SURGERIES?  I don't think my insurance will approve any more, and more importantly I don't know if my body can handle another one.  

[marta565]

Thank you Dr. Kaur, for answering.  I am going to a surgical doctor with experience in hernia repairs and going to have a CT scan tomorrow.  He doesn't want to operate until he have the test done and from there we will make a plan of action.  Really comfortable with this.  It doesn't change my ability to do things, but at least gives me the hope to not have surgery yet.  Will keep in contact.  Thank you again, for the information.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
After TRAM flap reconstruction, the abdominal muscle can be weaker. This increases your risk of having a hernia. Unfortunately surgical treatment is only treatment option available. Two surgical approaches are used to treat incisional hernias: either a laporoscopic incisional herniorrhaphy, or a conventional open repair procedure.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.