MS-TRAM
The MS-TRAM flap evolved from the TRAM flap to DIEP flap. It stands for muscle-sparing TRAM flap. With this technique skin and fat from the lower abdomen is removed , reattached to the chest and shaped to reform the breast. Small blood vessels in this tissue are connected to blood vessels in the chest just under the rib using microsurgery techniques.
What is the difference of TRAM, MS-TRAM and DIEP?
When a portion of the rectus muscle ('six-pack') is used this is called a TRAM flap. Where possible though a DIEP flap is performed, for which the blood vessels are carefully dissected out from the muscle so that the muscle is left in place. This helps to speed up recovery and prevents possible weakness and bulging of the abdomen. I some instances, if the blood vessels can't be completely dissected out of the rectus muscle, a strip of muscle is removed with the blood vessels. This is called a MS-TRAM (Muscle Sparing TRAM) flap.
Further Information
Anaesthetic
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The operation takes 5-8 hours.
Length of stay
4-5 nights following the operation.
RISKS/POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Early (1-2 days):
Frequent
Bruising
Swelling
Discomfort
Infrequent
Bleeding (haematoma)
Infection
Failure of the flap (approx 1%)
Partial failure of flap
Re-operation (approx 1%)
Wound breakdown
Necrosis of the mastectomy skin flaps
Later (after one week):
Frequent
Temporary reduced sensation of the abdominal wall
Reduced or no sensation of reconstructed breast
Infrequent
Scars - abdominal, umbilicus, breast unsightly, lumpy, stretch
Bulging, weakness, hernia (<1%) of the abdomen
Seroma
Fat necrosis
General anaesthetic
Deep vein thrombosis
Chest infection
Allergic reaction to drugs or tape
RECOVERY
Immediately after the operation
You will feel bruised and sore and there will be some swelling
Pain is usually moderate and controlled with standard painkillers
There will be drains in the chest and the abdomen, which will be removed between 2-5 days later
You will be sat out of bed the next day. Over the next few days you will increase the amount of walking that you do
After return home
Socialising with friends 1-2 weeks
Return to work at 4-6 weeks
Driving at 4-6 weeks
MS-TRAM
The MS-TRAM flap evolved from the TRAM flap to DIEP flap. It stands for muscle-sparing TRAM flap. With this technique skin and fat from the lower abdomen is removed , reattached to the chest and shaped to reform the breast. Small blood vessels in this tissue are connected to blood vessels in the chest just under the rib using microsurgery techniques.
What is the difference of TRAM, MS-TRAM and DIEP?
When a portion of the rectus muscle ('six-pack') is used this is called a TRAM flap. Where possible though a DIEP flap is performed, for which the blood vessels are carefully dissected out from the muscle so that the muscle is left in place. This helps to speed up recovery and prevents possible weakness and bulging of the abdomen. I some instances, if the blood vessels can't be completely dissected out of the rectus muscle, a strip of muscle is removed with the blood vessels. This is called a MS-TRAM (Muscle Sparing TRAM) flap.
Further Information
Anaesthetic
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The operation takes 5-8 hours.
Length of stay
4-5 nights following the operation.
RISKS/POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Early (1-2 days):
Frequent
Bruising
Swelling
Discomfort
Infrequent
Bleeding (haematoma)
Infection
Failure of the flap (approx 1%)
Partial failure of flap
Re-operation (approx 1%)
Wound breakdown
Necrosis of the mastectomy skin flaps
Later (after one week):
Frequent
Temporary reduced sensation of the abdominal wall
Reduced or no sensation of reconstructed breast
Infrequent
Scars - abdominal, umbilicus, breast unsightly, lumpy, stretch
Bulging, weakness, hernia (<1%) of the abdomen
Seroma
Fat necrosis
General anaesthetic
Deep vein thrombosis
Chest infection
Allergic reaction to drugs or tape
RECOVERY
Immediately after the operation
You will feel bruised and sore and there will be some swelling
Pain is usually moderate and controlled with standard painkillers
There will be drains in the chest and the abdomen, which will be removed between 2-5 days later
You will be sat out of bed the next day. Over the next few days you will increase the amount of walking that you do
After return home
Socialising with friends 1-2 weeks
Return to work at 4-6 weeks
Driving at 4-6 weeks
MS-TRAM
The MS-TRAM flap evolved from the TRAM flap to DIEP flap. It stands for muscle-sparing TRAM flap. With this technique skin and fat from the lower abdomen is removed , reattached to the chest and shaped to reform the breast. Small blood vessels in this tissue are connected to blood vessels in the chest just under the rib using microsurgery techniques.
What is the difference of TRAM, MS-TRAM and DIEP?
When a portion of the rectus muscle ('six-pack') is used this is called a TRAM flap. Where possible though a DIEP flap is performed, for which the blood vessels are carefully dissected out from the muscle so that the muscle is left in place. This helps to speed up recovery and prevents possible weakness and bulging of the abdomen. I some instances, if the blood vessels can't be completely dissected out of the rectus muscle, a strip of muscle is removed with the blood vessels. This is called a MS-TRAM (Muscle Sparing TRAM) flap.
Further Information
Anaesthetic
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The operation takes 5-8 hours.
Length of stay
4-5 nights following the operation.
RISKS/POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Early (1-2 days):
Frequent
Bruising
Swelling
Discomfort
Infrequent
Bleeding (haematoma)
Infection
Failure of the flap (approx 1%)
Partial failure of flap
Re-operation (approx 1%)
Wound breakdown
Necrosis of the mastectomy skin flaps
Later (after one week):
Frequent
Temporary reduced sensation of the abdominal wall
Reduced or no sensation of reconstructed breast
Infrequent
Scars - abdominal, umbilicus, breast unsightly, lumpy, stretch
Bulging, weakness, hernia (<1%) of the abdomen
Seroma
Fat necrosis
General anaesthetic
Deep vein thrombosis
Chest infection
Allergic reaction to drugs or tape
RECOVERY
Immediately after the operation
You will feel bruised and sore and there will be some swelling
Pain is usually moderate and controlled with standard painkillers
There will be drains in the chest and the abdomen, which will be removed between 2-5 days later
You will be sat out of bed the next day. Over the next few days you will increase the amount of walking that you do
After return home
Socialising with friends 1-2 weeks
Return to work at 4-6 weeks
Driving at 4-6 weeks
