Rapid Fire New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting

A simple technique for estimation of TRAM flap volume for breast reconstruction (497)

Omid Ahmadi 1 , Patrick WL Lyall 1
  1. Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery section, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is commonly used in breast reconstruction surgery. However, one of the challenges of this method is intra-operative estimation of the volume of the pedicled flap. An accurate estimation will help in achieving a more symmetrical breast volume and therefore aesthetic results. Here, the authors report a simple, inexpensive and objective method of estimating the TRAM flap size intra-operatively. This method can be done using equipment readily available in most operating theaters. This particular method has been used in our unit which has led to more consistent results with better observed symmetry.