Repair of large chest wall defects: experience with 23 patients

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Large chest wall defects often result from neoplasm resection or inflammatory conditions.
• Reconstruction of these defects presents significant surgical challenges.

Observation:

• This study evaluated 28 chest wall defect repairs in 23 patients.
• Defects were caused by thoracic cage neoplasms (22 patients) or inflammatory mass (1 patient).
• Procedures included partial lung, diaphragmatic, or sternum resections.

Findings:

• Repairs utilized soft prostheses (nylon/Marlex mesh) or composite prostheses (methyl methacrylate/Marlex mesh).
• Composite prostheses demonstrated superior solidity, shaping, fixation, and incorporation.
• An omentum flap facilitated healing in cases with extensive tissue resection.
• One wound infection resolved with antibiotics; no prosthesis extrusion occurred.

Implications:

• Safe and satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes are achievable for extensive chest wall defect repair.
• Composite prostheses are a reliable option for complex chest wall reconstruction.
• This approach enhances patient recovery following oncologic or inflammatory resections.