Major chest wall resection for recurrent breast carcinoma

Local recurrence of breast cancer is a relatively common entity. Occasionally, the management of such recurrences necessitates full-thickness chest wall resection. Although the chance for cure in such circumstances is small, achieving local control remains a desirable goal to maintain comfort and hygiene. This study evaluates the utility and morbidity of full-thickness chest wall resection in the control of symptomatic local recurrence of breast carcinoma. Twelve patients, undergoing such resections, were identified from hospital records. The resections included an average of three ribs (range, two to five) and, in seven cases, part or all of the sternum. A variety of rigid and soft tissue chest wall reconstructive techniques were utilized. Of the 11 patients available for follow-up, ten reported good overall function postoperatively. There were no postoperative deaths and only one patient developed a major complication requiring prolonged hospital stay. The patients spent an average of 6.6 hours in surgery, 14.6 hours intubated, and 20 days in the hospital. There were ten patients available for long-term follow-up. At the time of this study, 70 per cent were still alive, with or without disease, with a mean survival of 27 months (range, 3-71 months). Forty per cent were alive, disease-free, with a mean survival of 36 months (range, 3-71 months). This series demonstrates low morbidity, improved quality of life, and the possibility of long-term, disease-free survival after full-thickness chest wall resection for recurrent breast carcinoma.