Omental transposition and skin graft in patients for advanced or recurrent breast cancer

Nine patients, including 4 with primary advanced breast cancer (stage IV) and 5 with local recurrent cancer, underwent chest wall reconstruction using an omental flap and mesh skin grafting. In 2 of these patients the defect of bony chest wall was reconstructed with an acryl-resin plate and omental flap. The postoperative course in all patients was uneventful, except for a slight necrosis on the transposed mesh skin. Flail chest or dyspnea did not occur in those with a bony chest wall reconstruction. The immediate postoperative performance status in 6 of 9 patients and also quality of life improved.