Pregnancy and tram-flap breast reconstruction after mastectomy: a case report

Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg. 2001 Jun;35(2):211-5. doi: 10.1080/028443101300165372.

Abstract

A 38-year-old patient had a right radical (Patey) mastectomy for an infiltrating ductal carcinoma followed by chemotherapy and, one year later, a TRAM flap breast reconstruction. She was given clear and exhaustive information about the possible consequences of pregnancy, but despite this she became pregnant four months after the reconstruction. The pregnancy was taken to term despite the appearance at four months of a slow-growing abdominal hernia. In the light of our experience and that of others, we recommend an interval of at least 12 months between breast reconstruction with a TRAM flap and pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / surgery
  • Female
  • Hernia, Ventral / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty* / methods
  • Mastectomy, Radical
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology*
  • Pregnancy*
  • Rectus Abdominis / surgery
  • Surgical Flaps / adverse effects
  • Time Factors