Trans Flap - Breast Reconstruction

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited October 2011

    I don't know if the PS I am going to does a DIEP flap.  I wonder if there is a way to find out before going to a consultation in early December.  I don't want to give up a core muscle.  I guess I need to do more research into surgeons.  My BC surgeon referred me.  I am from Michigan if anyone as recommendations.  This is getting confusing, but I want it done right.  Thanks for your input everyone. 

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  • Snobird
    Snobird Member Posts: 593
    edited October 2011

    Find a good DIEP flap surgeon. Travel if necessary. I'd look into NOLA if I lived in the Midwest. Check out Nola thread. It is soooo worth traveling for this procedure. I had mine done in NYC which is 6 hours from where I live. Dr. Joshua Levine did mine. diepflap.com for more info.

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  • kathylyon
    kathylyon Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2011

    Cherrie- There are at least 3 physicians at the University of Michigan that do DIEP"S.  U of M is noted for their medical expertise.  Kathy

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited October 2011

    Thank you Kathy.  I will go to my consultation in Dec. and find out what they do.  Then I will talk to someone who does a DIEP.  Maybe at U of M even though I bleed green!  Only you will get this. Ha Ha  I am told that my PS is cutting edge, but I don't know anything about the type of procedures they do.  I guess I will learn a lot this year.  I will try not to rush this. 

    Thanks Kathy.  I will look into that.  I know the PS I am going to is, no pun intended, cutting edge.  I will go to the consultation.  If she doesn't do DIEP"S I will get another opinion.  It sounds better, quicker recovery, less complications, takes some of my fat, etc.  I have ADH with a personal history of BC and a sister with BC.  I am not in a crisis situation, but want to make a decision so I can maybe do this in the Spring.  

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited October 2011

    HELP!  I have a consultation with two PS for a BMX.  One does the DIEP flap and the other does the TRAM flap.  Could I have some honest opinions about this?  I noticed many people here said that DIEP is a newer procedure.  Is it better than the tram flap and why?  Is there a better recovery?  More invasive?  I just need to hear from people who have both.  I want to go into my consultations with research and questions.  Thanks to everyone.

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  • Snobird
    Snobird Member Posts: 593
    edited November 2011

    The TRAMflap uses part of your 6 pack ab muscles and they tunnel under your skin to get the tissue up to the breast area. Could lose significant strength in your core. Could develop a hernia and require additional surgery to repair. It is a longer recovery. The scars are the same as DIEP. The DEIPFLAP uses the same tissue but the muscle is not used, just the blood supply so there is no compromising the core muscles and significant less chance of a hernia. The recovery is usually faster for most people. The DIEP requires a more skilled surgical team. If you go the the DIEP 2011 thread you will see lots of women's posts about the procedure. There is also information on this website about the procedure.

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  • besa
    besa Member Posts: 1,088
    edited November 2011

    http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/avon_foundation_breast_center/treatments_services/reconstructive_breast_surgery/options.html

    Cherrie - a hopkins website that compares different reconstruction options

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited November 2011

    Thanks everyone.  i will look up those websites that you have given me.  I have time.  I see the first PS this Monday.  This is the one that does the DIEP flap.  I want to see how many she does in a year.  I will go from there.

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  • sunshine72
    sunshine72 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2013

    I had tram flap reconstruction using my stomach muscle in 1998' now 15 years later I am in pain in my stomach with a good belly bulge. I have always had a flat stomach, but along with the pain,not being able to sleep comfortably this is most concerning.



    If I have a hernia, is there a type of surgery to correct this problem so my stomach is once again flat.

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  • Joy29
    Joy29 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2014

    I had tram flap reconstruction in 2001 and have had nothing but trouble since. Like you, its very sensitive to touch, I get cramps in my ribs and have gotten a very large stomach. No waist at all, I never had a stomach before, infact they were concerned I didn't have enough to do the surgery. I have since relocated from Atlanta to Oklahoma City and the plastic surgeon doesn't want to do lipo because he is afraid of hitting the muscule.

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  • Abpain
    Abpain Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2017

    I had a TRAM flap in 2002 and did not realize what a big surgery or the future impact on my quality of life at that time. The main issues have been problems related to abdominal scar tissue/pain and the long lower scar in my pelvic with "signature" knot (very hard and pointed) in mid lower pelvic area . I have also had MRI and doctor appointments due to some bulging on left side abdomen area.

    Sadly, there were no recommendations for treatment just told scar tissue and fortunately - no cancer concerns. Pain = Fear :-)

    Throughout the years I have checked for answers through the internet and forums but never interacted.

    Recently, I completed six acupuncture sessions and, amazingly - got some pain relief; however, out of pocket expense.

    I am writing today due to finding a Women's Focused Physical Therapy group. The physical therapist has provided much pain relief and a decrease with the scar tissue in just 2 sessions. She has used techniques of cupping and dry needles. So feeling positive and wanting to share my situation, just in case, it could help someone else.

    In 2002 this surgery seemed a good option plus getting a "tummy tuck" - you know making the best out of a bad situation......

    I understand the TRAM surgery I had in 2002 is not used much in 2017; fortunately, due to other options available.

    Wishing the best to all who are in my situation.

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  • Cls703
    Cls703 Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2018

    I had a muscle sparing Tram reconstruction in 2015. I was trying to be excited about a “tummy tuck” along with new breast! My stomach was flat for about 1 month. I always had pain from the donor site on my right side of abdomen near the naval. Now it’s been 3 years almost since the procedure and my stomach is large and Hard! I can’t keep my pants up. I feel bloated every single night. Belly is sensitive to touch. Examinations, and testing shows nothing, but pain is terrible. Is it too late to do ecercises

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited April 2018

    Cls703- did you ever have a stage 2 surgery where they do plication

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2018

    Cls703,

    We are so sorry that you are having this pain and overall discomfort!

    This may not help, but you may want to read here: Tram Flap Risks

    It sounds like you may want to get another opinion from a breast reconstruction surgeon.

    Hang in there, and definitely try to get it looked at again.

    The Mods

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