[Skin sparing incision mastectomy and immediate TRAM flap breast reconstruction]

Abstract

Objective: In order to achieve a high-quality reconstructed breast, we improved the operation method using the skin sparing incision mastectomy and immediate TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Methods: Patients with duct carcinoma in situ were selected to undergo mastectomy with a skin sparing incision. The site of the previous biopsy incision was marked around the areola, and then the preferred skin sparing incision included the nipple-areola complex and a margin around the biopsy site for the non-ptotic breast. The excised skin was replaced as precisely as possible with the TRAM flap skin immediately. While the mastectomy was being performed the TRAM flap was incised and elevated. The pedicled or free TRAM flap has been used for 34 patients. Nipple-areola reconstruction was made at the second stage.

Results: The results of the skin sparing breast reconstruction are better than other breast reconstruction techniques in the breast's shape, colour, sensation, symmetry and incision scar.

Conclusions: Skin sparing incision mastectomy with immediate TRAM flap breast reconstruction technique is an ideal breast reconstructive method for the patients with breast duct carcinoma in situ. The advantages of the method include 1. The TRAM flap is an autograft without rejection; 2. The reconstructed breast has good shape and better sensation than other autograft reconstructive techniques since most breast skin has been spared; 3. The symmetry of the reconstructed breast with the contralateral breast is improved.