[Mersilene mesh-methyl methacrylate sandwich graft reconstruction for repair of chest wall defects]

The diameter of the defect after resection exceeds 5 cm especially in primary malignant and metastasis of chest wall tumors and bronchial carcinomas invading chest wall. Reconstruction must be performed in cases in which antero-lateral chest wall and sternum were resected in order to prevent paradoxical respiration caused by chest wall instability and to protect the vital organs from external effects. Eight cases undergoing chest wall resection for varying indications and reconstruction with methyl methacrylate-mersilene mesh (MM-MM) sandwich graft between March 2003 and September 2005 were reviewed. The reconstruction technique of MM-MM sandwich graft was compared with other reconstruction materials. Early and late postoperative mortality and morbidity ratios of the cases that MM-MM sandwich graft performed were compared with the other prosthetic materials in literature. All of the patients were extubated in the early postoperative period. There were no postoperative mortality and morbidity. Mean hospital stay was 9.6 days (range, 5-11 days). Mean follow-up was 9 (range, 3-34 months) months paradoxical respiration was no observed in whole patients during follow-up period. We recommend use of the MM-MM sandwich graft rather than the PTFE graft for large defects of the anterolateral chest wall and sternum for successful prevention of paradoxical respiration. Additionally, the MM-MM provides better cosmetic options, is inexpensive and easy to apply, and offers minimal morbidity.