Flap or implants

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Pennelope0324
Pennelope0324 Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I was just diagnosed with IDC last month and have met with everyone. Plastic surgeon discussed a TRAM flap, but because it would remove the abdominal muscle, , I was. advised not to do it for a couple of existing medical issues I have. She said only other procedure was Implants, which I am not happy about, or DIEC, which used the belly fat, skin and blood vessels. but no muscle, but....she doesn't do that, I would have to change my entire treatment team because I would be working with a new MicroP.astic Surgeon? I heard of a muscle sparing tram flap, why wouldn't she tell me about that? Does anyone know about muscle sparing flap or a Doctor inMass who does DIEC?

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  • TwoHobbies
    TwoHobbies Member Posts: 2,118
    edited August 2013

    Pennelope, I can't help with a Dr. in MA.  You might want to post on the Reconstruction board and I'm sure someone can help you. Many people have traveled to get this surgery but I bet there is someone in MA.   I can explain that most plastic surgeons can do Tram flap, Latissimus Dorsi flap, or implants.  These flap surgeries use a piece of muscle because that is the blood supply for the tissue.  You need a microsurgeon to do a DIEP (from the abdomen without muscle) to connect the small blood vessels.  There are other areas of the body they can use also if your abdomen should not be used.    

            

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited August 2013

    The muscle sparing tram flap also requires micro surgery.  It is very similar to DIEP.  She is probably not qualified to do that procedure since she is not qualified for DIEP.

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