Chest Wall Reconstruction Following Tumor

Abstract

Plastic surgeons are typically called upon to reconstruct the chest wall in four situations: oncologic resection, infections, trauma and osteoradionecrosis. In this chapter we will discuss post-oncologic reconstruction. Chest wall reconstruction following tumor resection is typically performed at the same setting as the ablative surgery; this results in quicker patient recovery and overall better outcomes. The reconstruction should be planned with the ablative surgeon so that an assessment can be made of the extent of resection and available donor sites for reconstruction. The major components of reconstruction are 1) skeletal support and 2) soft tissue coverage. Skeletal support is indicated if the defect is >5 cm, 4 or more ribs are removed or more than 2/3rd of the sternum is resected. Prosthetic mesh is most commonly used. Soft tissue reconstruction is performed with regional pedicled flaps in the vast majority of cases. Free flaps are used when regional flaps are not sufficient (large defects) or not available. This review contains 11 figures, 3 tables, and 49 references. Keywords: chest wall, tumor, skeletal reconstruction, soft tissue reconstruction, mesh, acellular dermal matrix, titanium osteosynthesis systems, resorbable plates, pedicled flaps, free flaps