A technical innovation in paediatric chest wall reconstruction

Abstract

Extensive paediatric chest wall resections and reconstructions are a surgical challenge. Chest wall reconstruction is well known to be associated with chest wall deformity, scoliosis and restrictive lung disease. We describe, via illustrative cases, the technical innovation of paediatric chest wall reconstruction following tumour resection with titanium rib replacement. The results from this chest wall reconstruction technique have been cosmetically excellent. Both cases, following significant chest wall resections, did not require post-operative ventilation and have returned to normal function. This Novel Paediatric Chest wall reconstruction technique is ideally suitable after extensive chest wall resection. It has provided stability and protection of underlying viscera and may prevent scoliosis.