J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2009 Jan;36(1):29-32.

Transabdominal Augmentation of Contralateral Breast in TRAM Breast Reconstruction

• Kim EK
• Lee TJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
Introduction of the mammary implant through the abdominal route has been well known since late 1960s, but the use of transabdominal route for contralateral breast augmentation in transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap breast reconstruction patients has not been reported in Korean literature. The authors report their experience with technical points as well as the selection of the appropriate patients.
METHODS
Simultaneous contralateral augmentation mammaplasty through transabdominal route was performed in 11 patients who underwent TRAM breast reconstruction from August 2003 to May 2008 with a mean follow up of 27 months. The pocket was created under direct vision: 3 subglandular, 7 subpectoral, and 1 dual plane was dissected. Eight saline and 3 silicone gel implants were used with an average volume of 165 cc.
RESULTS
There were no complications such as infection, hematoma, implant displacement, and capsular contracture. The results were well maintained throughout the follow-up period.
CONCLUSION
Transabdominal route could be recommended in selected patients for contralateral augmentation in TRAM breast reconstruction.

Keyword

Transabdominal augmentation mammaplasty; TRAM breast reconstruction; Contralateral symmetry procedure

MeSH Terms

Breast
Contracture
Displacement (Psychology)
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Hematoma
Humans
Mammaplasty
Rectus Abdominis
Silicone Gels
Silicone Gels