Long-term results of chest wall reconstruction with DualMesh

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of chest wall reconstruction using a new, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis, 'DualMesh'. Between December 2005 and March 2010, chest wall reconstruction using 2-mm DualMesh was performed in 11 patients. The indication for resection was primary lung cancer in six patients, malignant mesothelioma in one patient, recurrent lung cancer in one patient, recurrent invasive thymoma in one patient, postirradiated osteomyelitis in one patient, and chondro-hamartoma in one patient. The mean observation period was 23 months, and four cases were observed for more than three years. There were no operative deaths and no wound infections. There were two postoperative complications: prolonged air leakage occurred in a patient with pulmonary emphysema who underwent right lower lobectomy, and slight paradoxical respiration occurred in the patient who underwent resection of the entire sternal body for osteomyelitis. Follow-up chest computed tomography was performed routinely. No dehiscence occurred in any cases. Chest wall reconstruction using DualMesh demonstrated acceptable durability and biocompatibility, even after long-term follow-up. DualMesh has the potential to become an ideal prosthesis for the bony chest wall as an alternative to conventional polytetrafluoroethylene or polypropylene grafts.