This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.Question: Diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec. 2013. Had Mastectomy Feb 2014. Reconstruction of left breast Feb. 2015 using TRAM flap procedure. Developed bulge which abscessed/infection (hospitalized 2 weeks). Bulge got bigger (right lower abdomen). Hernia repair Nov. 2015...unsuccessful.Went to have follow-up laparoscopic hernia repair this week...couldn't do procedure. Dr. said it wasn't a hernia....abdominal wall defect....abdominal muscle has protruded into abdomen! I have no idea what to do next. Having mobility problems because of all this, plus the deformity. I am a 72 year old woman. Any suggestions/information would be appreciated. All procedures carried out at MUSC.Answer: I'm sorry you are having problems.I can't say with certainty whether we can help, but I would be delighted to see you and evaluate your situation. If you could bring a disc with your latest CAT scan, and any operative reports, that would be helpful, but we can get that stuff later if you don't have it.

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