Autogenous rib grafts for reconstruction of the manubrium after resection: technical refinements and outcomes

Sternal reconstruction after resection is essential for restoring the rigidity of the chest cavity. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the most physiologic or efficacious material for this procedure. We present our clinical experience with autogenous rib grafts for reconstruction of the manubrium after resection and discuss the refinements in this procedure.

Twelve consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of a primary neoplasm in the manubrium between March 2003 and August 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent manubrium resection and immediate reconstruction with autogenous rib grafts.

No cases of perioperative mortality were noted. The median operation time was 129 minutes. One patient experienced mild paradoxical movement; the other patients recovered well without any complications. The median follow-up period after surgery was 69 months. Two patients died. One patient with chondrosarcoma died as a result of cardiac disease 26 months after surgery and another patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma died as a result of local recurrence 6 months after surgery. Computed tomographic scans for the other 10 patients have shown neither dislocation nor abnormality of the transplanted ribs; moreover, no absorption of the grafts or recurrence was noted. None of the patients required prescription analgesics for the pain at the donor site at the 3-month follow-up visit.

This case series demonstrates the successful use of autogenous rib grafts in the reconstruction of the manubrium after resection. We consider that the reconstruction technique is a safe and effective alternative to a complex problem.