Complete sternectomy for metastatic carcinoma with reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap

A 67-year-old man was hospitalized because of anterior chest pain and bulging. Histopathologic examination of a biopsy specimen revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. For the metastatic sternal tumor a complete sternectomy was performed at all layers, following which the chest wall defect was reconstructed using no artificial materials but only a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. Postoperative respiratory function tests gave satisfactory results. This case suggests that, provided the organs within the thoracic cavity can be protected, solid or semi-solid stabilization achieved with artificial materials may not always be necessary, even in cases undergoing extensive sternectomy.