Chest wall reconstruction using a titanium plate sandwiched between two prolene meshes for large chest wall tumours: A single-centre case series study

Abstract

IntroductionReconstruction of chest wall defects is necessary to maintain the stability of the chest wall and respiratory mechanism, protect the intrathoracic organs, and retain acceptable cosmetic appearance. Currently, the consensus guidelines for chest wall reconstruction remain unclear. Here, we present our clinical experience in treating large chest tumours using a titanium plate sandwiched between two prolene meshes. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 15 patients with large chest wall tumours who underwent chest wall reconstruction with a titanium plate sandwiched between two prolene meshes at our hospital from November 2015 to May 2020. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months and then at 6-month intervals to examine the complications, recurrence, metastasis, and survival. ResultsThe median tumour size was 10 cm (range: 6–30 cm). There were eight primary chest wall, five metastatic, and two benign tumours. All defects were reconstructed with a titanium plate sandwiched between two prolene meshes. One patient underwent total sternal resection, 10 patients underwent partial sternal and rib resection, and 4 patients underwent rib resection (generally 2–4 ribs). There was no mortality or major complication, and only two patients had seroma. During follow-up, one patient had a prothesis infection requiring removal after 9 months. ConclusionReconstruction of the anterior chest wall using a titanium plate sandwiched between two polypropylene mesh sheets was successfully performed, and favourable outcomes were obtained. However, further studies with a larger population are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure.