TRAM flap
Pronunciation: TRAM flap
Also written as: TRAM — Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap
Breast reconstruction technique using transverse rectus abdominis muscle tissue.
Full Definition
The TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) flap is a breast reconstruction procedure that uses muscle, fat, and skin from the patient's lower abdomen to create a new breast mound. The flap can be performed as a pedicled flap (maintaining blood supply through the rectus muscle) or as a free flap (requiring microvascular anastomosis). This procedure provides natural-feeling reconstruction while simultaneously achieving an abdominoplasty effect. Potential complications include abdominal wall weakness and hernia formation.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize TRAM and specify whether pedicled or free flap technique was used.
In Context
- "The patient underwent delayed breast reconstruction with a pedicled TRAM flap." — operative report
- "Free TRAM flap reconstruction requires microsurgical expertise for vascular anastomosis." — surgical textbook