Chowchuen B, Chowchuen P
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
J Med Assoc Thai. 2001 Jul;84(7):1037-45.
Immediate breast reconstruction using free microsurgical transverse rectus abdominis flap (free TRAM flap) has been emerging as the recommended treatment for breast cancer patients. Progress of a patient receiving this treatment was documented using a ten-year follow-up study. The results were very satisfactory in both cosmetic appearance and therapeutic result. The surgical techniques of breast mound reconstruction and subsequent nipple and alreolar reconstruction with contralateral mastopexy were described. Mammographic findings of the post-reconstruction breast, recommendation for follow-up and the use of mammography were presented. With this successful long-term follow-up, the authors recommend immediate breast reconstruction using free TRAM flap as another option for breast cancer treatment.