Selected methods of the chest wall reconstruction for sternal dehiscence after median sternotomy

Dehiscence of a median sternotomy wound is a potentially devastating and life-threatening complication of cardiac procedures.Depending on the localization, extensiveness, and profoundness of the defect a variety of muscle flaps may be used to cover the frontal mediastinum, in particular: pectoralis major, rectus abdominisor latissimus dorsi. In spite of several options for restoration of sternal integrity we cannot avoid following serious local complications increasing patients morbidity. The aim of this paper is to report a method of sternal dehiscence management. Surgical technique and its results are presented on the example of two patients treated in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, Medical University in Łódź because of sternal dehiscence after cardiovascular procedure with sternotomy. Our experience indicates that modified bilateral pectoralis major flap seems to be effective surgical method of sternal dehiscence treatment. Also it is worth to remember that surgical procedure in this complication should be performed as soon as possible to decrease patient's disability and to avoid following complications.