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Reconstruction of full thickness chest wall defects
R F Morgan1, M T Edgerton, H J Wanebo
1Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville 22908.
Annals of Surgery
|June 1, 1988
Summary
This study shows that wide en bloc resection of chest wall tumors with Prolene mesh and latissimus dorsi reconstruction leads to primary healing and survival. Muscle function is largely preserved in selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Chest wall tumors require complex surgical management.
- En bloc resection and reconstruction are critical for successful outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of wide en bloc resection and primary reconstruction for chest wall tumors.
- To assess outcomes including healing, survival, and functional preservation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 14 patients undergoing wide en bloc resection of chest wall tumors.
- Skeletal reconstruction using Prolene mesh and soft tissue reconstruction with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps.
- Evaluation of primary healing, need for secondary procedures, hospitalization duration, and survival rates.
Main Results:
- All 14 patients achieved primary healing without requiring secondary procedures.
- Average hospitalization was 23 days, with all patients surviving the operation and 30-day follow-up.
- Preservation of innervated muscle in situ or transferred with preserved resting length maintained muscle function.
Conclusions:
- Wide en bloc resection combined with Prolene mesh and latissimus dorsi reconstruction is a safe and effective method for chest wall tumors.
- This approach ensures primary healing, survival, and good functional outcomes.
- Careful muscle preservation techniques can maintain significant muscle function post-reconstruction.