[Immediate reconstruction of the breast with the free, microvascular "TRAM" flap].

The free TRAM flap for breast reconstruction offers superior blood flow and a lower donor defect morbidity than the pedicled flap. In the immediate setting, it is much easier to dissect the recipient vessels, because the thorco-dorsal vessels are not encased in a scarred post-mastectomy bed, which adds to the advantage of the free flap. The operative technique, the results and complications of nine patients having received a free TRAM for immediate breast reconstruction between 5/95 and 3/96 are reported.