Reconstruction of Extensive Chest Wall Defects Using Light-Weight Condensed Polytetrafl uoroethylene Mesh - Case...

Tumors of the chest wall require extensive surgical intervention, which includes radical resection of the tumor mass followed by reconstruction of the defect. The depth of the defects may vary from a shallow one to a deep defect with exposure of the internal organs. In reconstruction of the chest wall, it is important to ensure the stability of the chest. Advanced synthetic biomaterials in combination with flap surgery are nowadays used as a treatment method of choice. The main advantage of biomaterials is easy manipulation, good fixation and a porous membrane. They are generally well tolerated by the patient. Flap surgery including regional flaps, pedicled flaps and free flap transfer are used for final closure of a deep defect. Shallow defects may be covered by autologous split-thickness skin graft transplantation. We present a series of case reports where we used light-weight condensed polytetrafluoroethylene (cPTFE) Omyra® Mesh TX B. Braun in combination with flap surgery for reconstruction of the chest wall. Different flaps for closure of the defects were used. In all cases the reconstruction of the chest wall was sufficient. One of the keys to success is a good cooperation between the oncosurgeon and the plastic surgeon.