Tram Flap

I had a mastectomy with immediate tram flap reconstruction in Sept 2001. I just recently saw my plastic surgeon who feels another surgery is necessary as there is a hard area on the reconstructed breast. He feels it is dead tissue and it needs to be removed. Does this happen often? Why? Is it necessary to remove the hard area?
Thank you,
Dee2

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Dee2:  Anytime a surgery is performed, there is a risk of scar tissue developing.  Scar tissue is usually hard and loses the characteristics of normal tissue.  Some people are more prone to scar tissue development than others.  From what you have written, it sounds as though this is what your surgeon believes has occurred within the reconstructed breast.  Most likely, he is electing to remove this hard tissue in order to be absolutely sure that it is scar tissue and not a reoccurrence.  The only way to know this for sure is to remove the area and send it to pathology.

[kmsan4rd]

Hello,
I recently was diagnose with Breast Cancer and plan on have immediate reconstruction.  The doctor is suggesting the TRAM FLAP.  What can I expect concerning pain?  Also, what is the percentage of patience who experience tissue dying?

[sherry61]

A related discussion, pain after trans flap surgery was started.