Factors associated with hernia and bulge formation at the donor site of the pedicled TRAM flap

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between risk factors and hernia or bulge formation at the donor site of the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. A retrospective study was conducted between September 2005 and December 2008 in 206 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap. Eight (3.9%) of these patients had abdominal wall hernia and 26 (12.6%) had abdominal bulging. The incidence of hernia was significantly higher (P∈ <30 kg/m2 (hernia incidence, 3.2%), while the incidence of abdominal bulge was significantly lower (P∈