Breast reconstruction using an innovative flap procedure

The experiences of and the nursing care for breast cancer patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction

This study explores the experiences of and the nursing care for nine women with breast cancer undergoing immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with a TRAM-flap. The study was prospective and descriptive and source and method triangulation was used. Source triangulation consisted of the patients' and nurses' perspectives, whilst method triangulation combined interviews, questionnaires and medical records. One result is that the meaning of IBR for the women operated is related to feelings of hope, normality and 'wholeness'. Another result is that not all the needs of the patients are assessed and met; the nursing care during admission is mainly focused on the physical care and after dismissal the patients are left in a situation characterized by vulnerability and a sense of emptiness. The study points to some implications in the means of quality development and rehabilitation.

Pregnancy after a TRAM flap procedure: principles of nursing care

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in the United States and affects more than 200,000 women annually. The incidence increases exponentially with age from the 3rd to the 5th decade of life. Many women are now choosing to have a more natural breast reconstruction concomitantly with their mastectomy. A TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap is a procedure to reconstruct the breast mound using autologous tissue. Women of childbearing age who have undergone a TRAM flap may safely consider pregnancy after such a procedure. The principles of nursing care for pregnant women who have undergone a TRAM flap surgery are presented in this article. A case report of pregnancy after a TRAM flap is included.