[Chest wall reconstruction with biological mesh]

In recent years, the use of biological meshes for chest wall reconstruction has gained increasing attention compared to synthetic meshes. However, in Hungary, there has been limited experience with their application in thoracic surgery. Our publication aims to review the materials and techniques used for chest wall reconstruction and to present our initial experiences with biological meshes. We retrospectively analyzed chest wall reconstruction procedures performed over the past 2 years that used biological mesh implantation. Patient demographic characteristics, surgical data, and early and late postoperative complications were evaluated. Between 2024 and 2026, biological mesh was used in a total of 5 chest wall reconstruction procedures. The surgical indication was malignancy in 4 cases, while in 1 case, reconstruction was performed due to traumatic injury. On average, resection of 3 ribs was required, and additionally, in 2 cases, partial sternum resection was also performed before mesh implantation. Regarding early 30-day postoperative complications, 1 case of wound infection and 2 cases of pleural fluid accumulation requiring chest tube drainage were observed. Late (more than 30-day) complications were not detected. Our department was the first in Hungary to use porcine dermis biological mesh for chest wall reconstruction in adults. Based on our initial experience, this material can be used effectively and with good results, combined with the other techniques. Further clinical experience and studies involving larger patient populations are needed to better evaluate the benefits of biological mesh application in chest wall reconstruction. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(36): 1445-1451.