[Color-flow duplex Doppler scanning study in the tram flap perforators: a report of 94 consecutive patients].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the location of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap perforators on abdomen skin and the peak systolic flow velocities of the perforators.

METHODS

A series of 94 consecutive patient's TRAM flap perforators were detected by color-flow duplex Doppler scanning peroperatively. Perforator locations were tabulated on the abdomen skin according to their vertical position relative to the umbilicus and their lateral location relative to the abdominal midline.

RESULTS

The perforators on both left and right side of TRAM flap were quite not symmetry. The peri-umbilical region contained 81.1% of the perforators. All perforators were detected with peak systolic flow velocities ranging from 5 to 81 cm/s.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative color-flow Doppler localization of TRAM flap perforators improves the surgeon's ability to design the flap in order to capture the dominant vessels, and select single- or double-pedicle and free TRAM flaps based on each patient's individual characteristics.