TRAM flap - ongoing problems after 15 years

paflutie

I was diagnosed in August 1999 and had bilateral mastectomies with immediate TRAM flap reconstruction with the use of mesh in September 1999 - have been having recurrent open surgeries ever since for problems with the mesh and breast revision. My life was ruined by this choice of reconstruction, as I have also had pain, swelling, severe restriction in movement and lifestyle for 15 years now and am facing yet another complex surgery this month for abdominal wall reconstruction with 2 new ventral hernias, severe adhesions, and unstable surface to attach new mesh (on top of old mesh) and possibly needing to be attached to my pubic bone.

My story is detailed at this site:  https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/pam-flutie-medical-fundraiser/218272

nihahi

I am so sorry to hear of your struggles from your surgery. Since it was 15 years ago, I'm thinking you had the pedicled version of a Tram? Today's Tram's typically take only a tiny piece of muscle. It is unfortunate that we are not able to indicate the differences within the BCO when creating our "bio's". The Tram procedures done today, are vastly different than the pedicled type.

I think there is a thread on BCO where someone mentions a surgeon who has had excellent results in resolving the type of post surgical complications such as yours. I hope she sees your post and passes along that info to you.

paflutie

Yes, I had bilateral pedicled flaps, as that is the way they were doing all of them back 15 years ago. I wish with all my heart I had just gone with implants, but my plastic surgeon back them basically pushed the TRAM as the best option for me, which turned out to be the WORST open for me as a 45-year-old very active single mother working full time and raising, breeding, and training horses!  I know a lot of facilities including John Hopkins will no longer perform these surgeries, which is very good news.  I only wish that had happened before I allowed it to be done to me.

nihahi

I know where you're coming from. When I was considering recon 20+ years ago, the options were so very limited, compared to today. Don't beat yourself up about choices you made in the past. I chose implants, and had 20 years of problems and multiple surgeries because of implant issues.

Are you anywhere near the NYC area? I think (but I'm not sure) that is the location of the surgeon doing successful pedicled Tram "fixing" surgery.