[Reconstructive methods of the antero-lateral thoracic wall after extensive surgery of invasive tumors]

Local recurrence after conservative or enlarged surgery for breast carcinoma, or primary chest wall's tumors should first be approached surgically, chimio- and radiotherapy being used only later on. A precise local and general evaluation has to be made first, trying to determine whether there is or not an invasion of bony structures. When they are free of tumor, regional transfer of musculocutaneous flaps can usually cover the defect (latissimus dorsi, 1-2 rectus abdomini, pectoralis major); great omentum is used when this defect is too large. When ribs, sternum or deep structures are invaded, reconstruction uses successively: a mersilene mesh, bone cement, an omental flap covered with mesh skin grafts 2 days later. Surgical management of these difficult situations is most of the time only a palliative measure which gives these patients a better quality of life for the short time they still have got.