For a woman who completely understands what's involved, the results can be excellent and this type or reconstruction can tolerate radiation better than an implant. With a free TRAM, the muscle is completely removed from the abdomen, then its blood vessels are reattached to new blood vessels higher up in the chest. This is very sophisticated microsurgery that requires special expertise. There remains a chance that the blood supply will be cut off, but the chance of the repositioned tissue dying is thought to be less. This might be a good procedure for a woman who cannot undergo the pedicle flap procedure because of scar tissue from previous surgeries or if she is a smoker.
Smokers have a higher incidence of the tissue dying off.
Before you decide A woman about to undergo a mastectomy is under a tremendous deal of emotional and physical stress. It's important that any decision be made after a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon who has experience performing breast reconstruction and can outline all the factors in advance. Dr. Narayan is a plastic surgeon at Yale-New Haven Hospital with a special interest in cancer surgeries and an assistant professor of surgery at Yale University School of Medicine. Renewed interest in prostate cancer treatment option, November 2000. The role of clinical breast exams, August 2000.