[Reconstructive method after resection of chest wall, diaphragm and pericardium, mainly using Composix-mesh]

This study examined utility and question about the reconstructive prostheses in 11 cases which were resected chest wall and/or diaphragm and/or pericardium. One of 3 patients, who were used metal plates after chest wall resection, was prevented from post-operative irradiation therapy by limitation and diffuse reflection of beam by the metal plates. Gore-Tex( ePTFE) sheets, which were used for coverage of diaphragm defect and pericardium defect, occurred no problems. Composix-meshes (Composix-Kugel, Hernia-patch) were used for 7 cases which had large defects due to resection of chest wall and diaphragm. These kinds of meshes (or patches) consist of double layer mesh and memory recoil ring and then have airtightness and rigidity. After reconstruction of chest wall and diaphragm there were no problems without any flail chest.