Arch Hand Microsurg.  2018 Sep;23(3):217-222. 10.12790/ahm.2018.23.3.217.

Breast Reconstruction with Free Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap Complicated by Deep Vein Thrombosis-associated Pulmonary Thrombo-embolism

• Heo JW
• Jin US

• KMID: 2419457
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.2018.23.3.217

Abstract

Over the last few decades, autologous tissue has gained an increasing popularity as a mean of immediate breast reconstruction after oncological mastectomy. Especially in the case of delayed reconstruction or radiotherapy done or planned, autologous reconstruction is often preferred over implants. Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is, by far, the most universally adopted selection of choice. During the last 5 years, breast reconstruction using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap summed up to a total of 706 cases in our institution. In this paper, we present 2 cases, in which, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thrombo-embolism were complicated post-operatively in patients who underwent breast reconstruction with a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.

Keyword

Venous thrombosis; Pulmonary embolism; TRAM

MeSH Terms

Breast*
Female
Humans
Mammaplasty*
Mastectomy
Myocutaneous Flap*
Pulmonary Embolism
Radiotherapy
Rectus Abdominis*
Veins*
Venous Thrombosis

Figure

• 

  Fig.1. Lower extremity Doppler sonography with acute deep vein thrombosis in the left common iliac and femoral vein to crural veins.

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  Fig.2. Chest computed tomography angiography with pulmonary artery embolism on right lower lobe.

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  Fig.3. Lower extremity Doppler sonography with acute deep vein thrombosis from left common iliac and femoral vein to popliteal vein, and its distal branches.

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  Fig.4. Chest computed tomography angiography with pulmonary artery embolism on both lobes.

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