Reconstruction Of Chest Wall Defects Research Articles

Postoperative Complications of Flap Procedures in Chest Wall Defect Reconstruction: A Two-Center Experience

Background and Objectives: Chest wall defect reconstruction is a complex procedure aimed at restoring thoracic structural integrity after trauma, tumor removal, or congenital issues. In this study, postoperative complications were investigated to improve the care of patients with these critical conditions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of chest wall reconstructions from 2004 to 2023 was conducted at Klinikum Nürnberg and Evangelisches Waldkrankenhaus Spandau—Berlin. Data included patient demographics, comorbidities, defect etiology, surgery details, and complications using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Results: Among the 30 patients included in the study, a total of 35 complications occurred in 35 thoracic wall defect reconstructions. These complications were classified into 22 major and 13 minor cases. Major complications were more common in patients with cancer-related defects, and considerable variations were observed between free flap and pedicled flap surgeries. Notably, the use of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with vastus lateralis muscle demonstrated promise, exhibiting fewer complications in select cases. The reconstruction of chest wall defects is associated with substantial complications regardless of the etiology of the defect and the particular surgical procedure used. Interestingly, there was a lower complication rate with free flap surgery than with pedicled flaps. Conclusions: The ALT flap with vastus lateralis muscle deserves further research in this field of reconstruction. Multidisciplinary approaches and informed patient discussions are crucial in this complex surgical field, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and technique refinement.

Application of the rectus abdominal muscle in reconstructive and recovery surgery of chest wall defects

Introduction. Autologous plastic tissues (muscles and greater omentum) are preferable in the reconstruction of chest wall defects in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the chest wall. Extended and deep defects can be eliminated by flaps of the rectus abdominis muscle.Aid. To study the effectiveness of various options for the use of flaps of the rectus abdominis muscle in plastic surgery of chest wall defects of infectious and inflammatory origin.Object and methods. A retrospective analysis of the results of treatment of 34 patients with osteomyelitis of the sternum and ribs of various etiologies was carried out for the period from January 1, 2012 to May 30, 2023. In 32 patients, the main diagnosis was poststernotomy mediastinitis, 2 patients had post-radiation osteomyelitis of the sternum and ribs after combined cancer treatment. mammary gland. The majority of patients (n = 29) underwent a two-stage approach to treatment using vacuum therapy at the stage of relief of acute inflammation. All patients underwent plasty with a flap of the rectus abdominis muscle. The options for surgical intervention and the outcome of treatment were studied.Results. The area of the defect to be repaired in patients ranged from 50 cm2 to 270 cm2 (mean 143.1 ± 15.3 cm2). There were no intraoperative complications in the patients. The postoperative period was complicated by various wound complications in 9 patients. Marginal necrosis of the skin part of the graft was revealed in 3 patients with full-thickness permanent graft plasty. In 3 patients, despite wound drainage, postoperative seromas were detected. Reoperations were performed in 2 patients: in one case, bleeding from the vein of the fullthickness flap was stopped, in the other case, partial necrosis of the full-thickness flap was detected, which required a second operation and revision of the flap. In 1 patient, the hematoma was emptied 3 days after the operation. The average duration of inpatient treatment of patients was 19.3 ± 2.8 days (range 17 to 38 days). There were no lethal outcomes in patients with muscle plasty with a permanent graft flap. In 1 patient, a postoperative hernia was formed in the region of the anterior abdominal wall. Recurrence of osteomyelitis of the ribs was diagnosed in 1 person 16 months after surgery.Conclusions. The rectus abdominis muscle as an isolated and full-thickness flap is the optimal plastic material for eliminating defects in both the lower part of the sternum and extensive defects in the anterior and lateral surfaces of the chest wall.

Anterior Chest Wall Reconstruction After Separation of Thoraco-Omphalopagus Conjoined Twins With Cadaveric Rib Grafts and Omental Flap

Background Anterior chest wall defects have a wide range of etiologies in the pediatric population, ranging from infection, tumor, and trauma to congenital diseases. The reconstructive goals include restoring skeletal stability, obliterating dead space, preserving cardiopulmonary mechanics, and protecting vital underlying mediastinal organs. Although various reconstructive methods have been described in the literature, selecting the optimal method is challenging for the growing pediatric skeleton. Here, we report a case of previously thoraco-omphalopagus twins who underwent successful separation and reconstruction and presented for definitive anterior chest wall reconstruction. Methods A pair of previously thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins underwent definitive anterior chest wall defect reconstruction using cadaveric ribs and omental flap. Twin A received 2 cadaveric ribs, whereas twin B had a much larger sternal defect that required 3 cadaveric ribs combined with an omental flap for soft tissue chest coverage. Both twins were followed up for 8 months. Results Twin A's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 6. Twin B's course was complicated, and she was discharged on supported ventilation on postoperative day 10. At 8 months postoperatively, both twins healed well, and chest radiographs confirmed the stability of the chest reconstructions. The rib grafts in the twin with a tracheostomy were not mobile, and the patient had a solid sternum with adequate pulmonary expansion. The construct initially did not facilitate pulmonary functioning, but after a healing process, it eventually allowed for the twin with the tracheostomy who required pulmonary assistance to no longer need this device. Conclusions Cryopreserved cadaveric ribs and omental flaps offer safe and reliable reconstructive methods to successfully reconstruct congenital anterior chest wall skeletal defects in the growing pediatric population. The involvement of multidisciplinary team care is key to optimizing the outcomes.

Effectiveness of lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for repairing huge chest wall defect

To explore the effectiveness of lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to repair huge chest wall defect. Between June 2021 and June 2022, 14 patients with huge chest wall defects were treated with radical resection of the lesion and lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap transplantation for reconstruction of chest wall defects. The patients included 5 males and 9 females with an average age of 44.2 years (range, 32-57 years). The size of skin and soft tissue defect ranged from 20 cm×16 cm to 22 cm×22 cm. The bilateral pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps in size of 26 cm×8 cm to 35 cm×14 cm were prepaired and cut into two skin paddles with basically equal area according to the actual defect size of the chest wall. After the lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was transferred to the defect, there were two reshaping methods. The first method was that the skin paddle at the lower position and opposite side was unchanged, and the skin paddle at the effected side was rotated by 90° (7 cases). The second method was that the two skin paddles were rotated 90° respectively (7 cases). The donor site was sutured directly. All 14 flaps survived successfully and the wound healed by first intention. The incisions at donor site healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8.7 months). The appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory. Only linear scar was left at the donor site, and the appearance and activity of the abdominal wall were not affected. No local recurrence was found in all tumor patients, and distant metastasis occurred in 2 breast cancer patients (1 liver metastasis and 1 lung metastasis). The lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in repair of huge chest wall defect can ensure the safety of blood supply of the flap to the greatest extent, ensure the effective and full use of the flap tissue, and reduce postoperative complications.

Reconstructive Strategies in Pediatric Patients after Oncological Chest Wall Resection: A Systematic Review.

An appropriate reconstruction strategy after surgical resection of chest wall tumors in children is important to optimize outcomes, but there is no consensus on the ideal approach. The aim of this study was to provide an up-to-date systematic review of the literature for different reconstruction strategies for chest wall defects in patients less than 18 years old. A systematic literature search of the complete available literature was performed and results were analyzed. A total of 22 articles were included in the analysis, which described a total of 130 chest wall reconstructions. All were retrospective analyses, including eight case reports. Reconstructive options were divided into primary closure (n = 21 [16.2%]), use of nonautologous materials (n = 83 [63.8%]), autologous tissue repair (n = 2 [1.5%]), or a combination of the latter two (n = 24 [18.5%]). Quality of evidence was poor, and the results mostly heterogeneous. Reconstruction of chest wall defects can be divided into four major categories, with each category including its own advantages and disadvantages. There is a need for higher quality evidence and guidelines, to be able to report uniformly on treatment outcomes and assess the appropriate reconstruction strategy.

Functional design and biomechanical evaluation of 3D printing PEEK flexible implant for chest wall reconstruction

Background and objectiveRigid reconstruction of chest wall defect seriously affects the postoperative respiratory owing to neglecting the functional role of natural costal cartilage. In the study, a 3D printing PEEK flexible implant was developed to restore the deformation capability during breathing motion. Materials and methodsBionic spring structures in different region of implant were designed by taking into consideration of the anatomical morphology and materials properties of costal cartilage. The biomechanical properties of the rigid and flexible implants under the chest compression were compared through the finite element analysis. Two kinds of chest wall implant samples were fabricated with fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology to evaluate experimentally the mechanical behaviors. Finally, the restoration ability of respiratory function from the flexible implant was investigated in vivo. ResultsThe flexible implant exhibited the similar stiffness to the natural thorax and satisfied the strength demand in the chest compression. The maximal impact force of flexible implant reached to 536 N. The fatigue failure of complete flexible implant was revealed from the initiation and propagation of interlaminar crack to the fracture in a zigzag manner. Animal experiments validated that the parameters characterizing respiratory could be recovered to the preoperative and normal state. ConclusionsIn the study, the flexible implant provided these advantages for perfect replication of thoracic shape, reliable safety, and great deformation capability to response respiratory movement, which given a superior treatment for chest wall reconstruction.

Surgical resection of chest wall sarcomas: an analysis of survival and predictors of outcome at an Australian multidisciplinary sarcoma service.

Chest wall sarcomas are a rare group of tumours. Surgical resection is considered the mainstay of curative treatment, however, resection and reconstruction of chest wall defects presents complex issues for the clinician. A retrospective analysis of 59 patients undergoing surgical management of chest wall sarcoma between December 1996 and July 2020 was conducted across a multidisciplinary sarcoma service in Melbourne, Australia. Patient demographics, pathologic data, and long-term outcomes were recorded. Mean age at surgery was 48.4 years (SD 18.3), and 66.1% were male. Median follow-up was 29 months (IQR 11.8, 51.0months). Fifty-one patients presented with primary tumours, while the others had secondary tumours resected. Most tumours arose in bone (72.9%) as opposed to soft tissues (27.1%). Chondrosarcoma was the most common histologic subtype (50.8%). The most common reconstructive techniques involved the use of mesh (79.7%) or mesh supplemented with bone cement (33.9%). Overall survival at 1 and 5 years was 92% and 70%, respectively. Seven patients died of metastatic sarcoma during the follow up period with a median survival time of 27 months. Twelve patients had evidence of disease recurrence during the follow-up period. Stage 4 disease, soft tissue tumours, secondary tumours, leiomyosarcoma and UPS subtypes, and plating reconstruction were associated with increased disease recurrence. The results suggest that outcomes for chest wall sarcoma are similar to extremity sarcomas and may be treated in a similar manner. Patients requiring adjuvant radiotherapy and those who develop disease-recurrence are more likely to have worse overall survival outcome despite complete surgical resection.

PC25. BIOLOGIC VERSUS SYNTHETIC MESH FOR CHEST WALL RECONSTRUCTION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

PURPOSE: There is no consensus on mesh selection for chest wall reconstruction between rigid synthetic materials designed to maintain pulmonary function versus elastic biologic meshes with a favorable surgical healing profile. Few adequately-powered studies have directly compared the these materials in chest wall reconstruction prompting a systematic comparison of pulmonary and surgical site healing outcomes between the two groups. METHODS: A systematic review protocol submitted to Prospero investigating chest wall reconstruction articles using either synthetic or biologic mesh for the reconstruction of chest wall defects was performed and patients with both surgical wound healing and pulmonary outcomes data were analyzed for the coverage period 1995-2020. Patient demographics, surgical descriptive information, and post-operative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included, with 287 patients with biologic mesh placement and 551 patients with synthetic mesh. The biologic group exhibited lower rates of surgical site seroma (2.4% vs. 5.0%; p=0.041), reoperation (3.1% vs. 7.8%; p=0.011) explantation (0.7% vs. 5.4%; p=0.001) and overall surgical site complications (13.6% vs. 20.3%; p=0.031). Of the pulmonary outcomes evaluated, the biologic mesh group had less paradoxical chest wall movement (0% vs. 2.4%; p=0.009), and atelectasis (0% vs. 2.2%; p=0.013) with no difference in overall respiratory complication rate. Total respiratory and surgical complication rate (18.9% vs. 28.4%; p=0.009) was significantly lower for the biologic group. CONCLUSION: A review of published clinical chest wall reconstruction outcomes shows lower overall surgical site complication rate, re-operation and mesh explantation with biologic mesh compared to synthetic mesh usage without compromising pulmonary outcomes.

Successful Reconstruction of a Lower Chest Wall Defect with Delayed Fungal Deep Sternal Wound Infection following a Blast Injury in South Korea: A Case Report

Although blast injuries have been considered a problem unique to military practice or warfare, accidental civilian blast-related injuries due to misplaced landmines have been reported in South Korea. A 71-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room due to multiple severe blast injuries after the detonation of an unknown explosive device. After shrapnel that penetrated the pericardium was removed via median sternotomy in an emergency operation, an extensive defect remained on the lower third of the anterior chest wall. After debriding the contaminated wound several times, chest wall reconstruction with a skin-paddled vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap was successfully performed. However, the patient presented a delayed fungal infection of the deep sternal wound 28 days postoperatively. To salvage the previous flap, antifungal agents were administered and negative-pressure wound therapy was performed between serial radical debridement. The previous flap was successfully salvaged with infection control, and the final defect was covered by re-rotating the previous flap. This case presents the successful reconstruction of a chest wall defect using a skin-paddled VRAM flap notwithstanding a delayed sternal wound infection from a rare civilian blast injury in South Korea.

Reconstruction of Complex Chest Wall Defect with Perforator Based Abdominal Flap - A Case Report

Reconstruction of chest wall defect is a complex procedure requiring acute understanding of the vascularity of local flaps used for reconstruction of the defect.

Use of Extended Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap for Extensive Chest Wall Defect Reconstruction After Mastectomy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer.

The reconstruction of a large postmastectomy chest wall defect for patients with stage III/IV breast cancer is a challenge for plastic surgeons. In this study, we present the application of an extended transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap to easily and safely reconstruct these defects. A retrospective review from November 1997 to November 2016 revealed that 65 patients with stage III/IV breast cancer immediately underwent postmastectomy TRAM flap reconstruction. In total, 16 patients were enrolled in this study based on the inclusion criteria of a postmastectomy chest skin defect size of greater than or equal to 100 cm and a TRAM flap size of greater than or equal to 80% of the lower abdominal area for reconstruction. Eleven (68.9%) and 5 patients (31.3%) were diagnosed with stage III and stage IV breast cancer, respectively. The chest wall skin defects ranged from 135 to 440 cm. All flap areas exceeded 80% of the lower abdominal area. Overall, 100% of the harvested flaps were used in 3 patients, and only 1 patient had marginal necrosis in zone IV. No total flap loss was observed. The average length of hospital stay was 5.8 days, and the mean follow-up duration was 46.6 months (range, 4.5-117.7 months). On a Likert scale, the mean follow-up satisfaction score of 10 patients was 4.7. Even when the flap area exceeded 80% of the lower abdominal area, the extended TRAM flap proved an effective and viable method for the immediate reconstruction of extensive postmastectomy chest wall skin defects, resulting in few minor complications and high follow-up satisfaction scores.

Chest wall replacement

The optimal surgical reconstruction of chest wall defects especially in the context of posttraumatic, oncological and congenital etiologies has alarge impact on the recovery of the patients. Regardless of the etiology, various complications, such as agenerally impaired respiratory physiology in an unstable thorax or decreased pulmonary clearance associated with acute and chronic pulmonary infections, may impair the recovery of affected patients. The postoperative occurrence of an intrathoracic dead space may lead to adifficult to treat empyema. Each thoracic wall defect must be accurately assessed and treated according to size, depth and location on the chest. The complexity of this condition and the resulting complications require the highest degree of surgical care which should be interdisciplinary both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Extensive Microsurgical Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defects for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: A 10-Year Single-Unit Experience.

Despite improvements in the early detection of breast cancer, locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) involving the chest wall exists in developing countries. Surgical resection remains a controversial management option. This study aims to demonstrate the value of chest wall reconstructive techniques for large LABC defects and report long-term outcomes. We report a 10-years single-unit experience in the reconstruction of large defects (>300 cm). From 2007 to 2017, all LABC cases managed with large surgical resection with immediate microsurgical chest wall reconstruction were included in this study. Herein, we present the demographics, comorbidities, clinicopathological LABC characteristics, surgical techniques (free flap choice, recipient vessels), and outcomes (survival, complication, cosmesis, and patient satisfaction). Of the 104 LABC cases, free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap was performed in 41 (39.4%) cases, free anterolateral thigh flap in 5 (4.8%), free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator combined with pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in 23 (22.1%), free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap in 30 (28.9%), and free transverse upper gracilis flap in 5 (4.8%). Complications were low. Over a median follow-up of 49.5 months, the 3-year local recurrence rate and distant metastasis-free survival were 13.9% and 84.9%, respectively. In addition, the 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 84.2% and 92.0%, respectively. The rate of excellent and good ratings by the esthetic assessment panel was 83.0%, and the patient satisfaction rate was 90.0%. Wide resection and microvascular free tissue transfer is oncologically safe in LABC with huge tumors and provides versatile solutions for the reconstruction of extensive chest wall defects. With favorable long-term survival and cosmetic outcomes, surgical resection of LABC combined with flap reconstruction may offer a practical approach in difficult and complicated cases. In this retrospective review, it was demonstrated that wide resection followed by distinct chest wall reconstructive free flaps transfer is oncologically safe in LABC with huge tumors and provides useful solutions for the reconstruction of extensive chest wall defects.

Surgical Outcomes in Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defect After Radical Resection for Malignant Tumours

Surgical Outcomes in Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defect After Radical Resection for Malignant Tumours

Three-Dimensional Printing PEEK Implant: A Novel Choice for the Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defect

The purpose of this study is to use 3-dimensional printing (3DP) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants for skeletal reconstructions after wide excision of chest wall. 3DP PEEK implants were expected to provide a better physiological simulation than traditional ones because of a closer elastic modulus to cortical bone and similar biomechanical properties. Eighteen patients (mean age 44.5 years), comprising 6 males and 12 females, underwent adequate radical wide excision for tumors and chest wall reconstruction using 3DP PEEK implants. Surgical data, which include patient demographic characteristics, implant preparation parameters, and preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function test results, were collected and analyzed. Ten patients with rib tumors and 8 patients with sternum tumors were selected for the study. The mean chest wall defect size was 173.6 ± 151.5 cm2 (range, 55 to 625 cm2). The mean weight of a single 3DP PEEK riband sternum was 28 g and 104 g, respectively. The flexural and tensile strength of PEEK implants were 141 ± 7 MPa and 89 ± 3 MPa, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests revealed that mean forced vital capacity was from 2.79 ± 0.68 L to 2.40 ± 0.70 L with a reduction of 14.0% (p < 0.001). No side effects were observed 6 to 12 months after the operation. These findings suggest that 3DP PEEK implant is a safe and effective alternative in the reconstruction of chest wall defects. The pulmonary function of the patient may be preserved effectively after surgery.

Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defects Using a Technique Involving Mesh, Titanium Plates, and a Pedunculated Muscle Flap.

We herein present a new surgical reconstruction technique for large chest wall defects after resection of advanced chest wall tumors.

Repair and Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defect

Repair and Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defect

Perioperative nursing care of one patient with 3D type diabetes mellitus complicated with type II diabetes mellitus and the individual chest wall repair and reconstruction

Objective To summarize the mammary gland granulosa cell tumor 1 case of elderly patients with diabetes perioperative nursing methods chest wall reconstruction. Methods For this disease characteristics, and the patient′s individual situation to develop nursing measures, including giving surgery patients perioperative care, diabetes care, skin flap of the observation and nursing care, chest wall defect reconstruction, through intraoperative nursing with 3 d technology, psychological nursing, function exercise, active intervention. Results Through nursing, this example patient recovery smoothly, fine discharged from hospital. Conclusions In view of the patient's condition and an individual case, to develop nursing measures, improve the preoperative postoperative nursing is the key to the successful operation and patient recovery. Key words: Granular cell tumor; Perioperative nursing; Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Skin flap to repair

MULTIMODALITY THERAPY FOR OSTEOSARCOMA OF THE STERNUM WITH RECONSTRUCTION OF COMPLEX CHEST WALL DEFECTS

Background. Osteosarcoma is a high-grade malignant bone tumor that accounts for up to 6 % of all bone neoplasms. There are only a few published cases of primary sternal osteosarcomas, reflecting the rarity of these tumors. Recently, there has been a growing interest in performing radical excisions of chest wall tumors followed by combined single-stage reconstruction of the rib cage with implants made of biologically compatible materials. Material and methods. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the sternum. The patient received a combined modality treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Titanium nickelid implants were used for the reconstruction of chest wall defects. Results. The multimodality treatment with reconstruction of postoperative chest wall defects allowed the achievement of the optimal quality of life for 21 months in the patient with very poor prognosis. Conclusion. The chest wall reconstruction using biocompatible materials from titanium nickelid appeared to be an effective and safe technique for the treatment of chest wall tumors.

Post electrical injury anterior chest wall defect reconstruction in an infant

Electrical injuries cause devastating and major trauma at the site of contact as well as in other parts of the body. The contact over chest and abdomen invariably results in full thickness injury. Management of these full thickness defects is a great challenge for the burn surgeon. In this article we report the first case of full thickness chest wall defect following electrical injury in an infant following contact with household 230 volt current. A delayed primary reconstruction of the chest wall was carried out using pedicled latissmus dorsi myocutaneous flap.