THERMAL-INJURY TO TRAM FLAPS - A REPORT OF 5 CASES

Five cases of burns occurring in TRAM flaps utilized for breast recons truction are presented in this study. These injuries resulted from exp osure to thermal and/or solar radiation. We believe that the physiolog ic changes that result from flap elevation and transposition, mainly d enervation, negate the autonomic protective mechanisms for heat dissip ation. This renders the flaps more susceptible to injury from these en ergy forms. Because of these findings, we urge all plastic surgeons wh o perform TRAM flap reconstructions to carefully instruct their patien ts to avoid exposing their flaps to heat and solar radiation.