Free TRAM. Results and abdominal wall function.

This article reports on 151 breast reconstructions that have been performed in 139 patients using the free TRAM flap. The critical steps of that procedure are evaluated and the muscle-sparing technique used in harvesting the flap as well as the necessity of an accurate donor site closure are emphasized. The results confirm that the free TRAM flap breast reconstruction provides the patient with a reliable, long-lasting good result with respect to the shape and volume of the new breast mound with a justifiable complication rate.