Bilateral Breast Reconstruction with Free TRAM Flaps

횡복직근 유리피판술에 의한 양측 유방 재건

Free TRAM flap is now increasingly suggested to patients requiring breast reconstruction after the mastectomy. This study is to introduce the experiences of bilateral free TRAM flaps for reconstruction of bilateral breasts and to suggest the way of getting the more satisfactory results. A total of 6 breasts were reconstructed in 3 patients using bilateral free TRAM flaps immediately following the mastectomy. Average operative time for bilateral breast reconstruction was 8 hours comparing to 6.5 hours for unilateral breast reconstruction. Partial or total flap loss did not occur in 6 flaps. Abdomen was repaired directly with muscle and fascia sparing technique without necessity of mesh graft. There was no complication in donor site like abdominal hernia. Bilateral breast reconstruction can achieve exceptionally good aesthetic result with low complication if it is performed with skillful technique and experience. The reason for this is that fairly good symmetry usually is obtained in the initial surgery and in most cases only minimal additional surgery is required to achieve a satisfactory aesthetic result. The one disadvantage of bilateral reconstruction with autologous tissue is the length of the surgical procedure. Although the initial bilateral breast reconstruction can be a long, tedious procedure if free flaps are used, it must be a valuable treatment option for bilaterally mastectomized patients.