Inclusion of Mesh in Donor-Site Repair of Free TRAM and Muscle-Sparing Free TRAM Flaps Yields Rates of Abdominal Complications Comparable to Those of DIEP Flap Reconstruction

Abstract

Incorporating mesh into rectus fascia repair in free and muscle-sparing free TRAM flap cases significantly reduces the rate of postoperative abdominal complications to levels equivalent to those for DIEP flap reconstructions. The authors advocate deciding intraoperatively between DIEP and muscle-sparing free TRAM flap dissections based on ease of dissection and whichever offers optimal safety and flap perfusion. Routine use of mesh in donor-site repair will decrease postoperative abdominal morbidity in unilateral and bilateral cases.