The delay phenomenon is sometimes relied on to increase survival of the tra
nsverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap in high-risk patients
. TRAM reconstruction has then been performed traditionally 1 to 2 weeks af
ter the delay procedure. The optimum time course from this surgical delay t
o flap elevation, as it relates to survival, has not been well studied-spec
ifically whether the potential benefit of delay lessens at any particular t
ime after the delay procedure. The authors examined the effects of varying
time periods (up to 7 months) after delay, via division of the dominant bil
ateral superior epigastric vessels, on the viability of the TRAM flap in a
rat model. TRAM flap survival improved significantly (p < 0.01) at all time
points in delayed groups compared with a nondelayed control group. The ben
efit of delay in this model was maintained at all times, even long term. In
conclusion, it may be possible to extend the delay period safely beyond th
e customary 1 to 2 weeks without compromising survival of the TRAM flap, wh
ich may prove to be more convenient.