Resection Of Chest Wall Tumors Research Articles

Value of porous titanium alloy plates for chest wall reconstruction after resection of chest wall tumors.

To explore the value of porous titanium alloy plates for chest wall reconstruction after resection of chest wall tumors. A total of 8 patients with chest wall tumors admitted in our hospital from Jan. 2006 to Jan. 2009 were selected and underwent tumor resection, then chest wall repair and reconstruction with porous titanium alloy plates for massive chest wall defects. All patients completed surgery successfully with tumor resection-induced chest wall defects being 6.5 x 7 cm ~ 12 x 15.5 cm in size. Two weeks after chest wall reconstruction, only 1 patient had subcutaneous fluidify which healed itself after pressure bandaging following fluid drainage. Postoperative pathological reports showed 2 patients with costicartilage tumors, 1 with squamous cell carcinoma of lung, 1 with lung adeno-carcinoma, 1 with malignant lymphoma of chest wall, 2 with chest wall metastasis of breast cancers and 1 with chest wall neurofibrosarcoma. All patients had more than 2 ~ 5 years of follow-up, during which time 1 patient with breast cancer had surgical treatment due to local recurrence after 7 months and none had chest wall reconstruction associated complications. The mean survival time of patients with malignant tumors was (37.3 ± 5.67) months. Porous titanium alloy plates are safe and effective in the chest wall reconstruction after resection of chest tumors.

Expanding the scope of the orthopaedic oncology practice

Background: Few studies exist discussing the orthopaedic oncologist's role with resection of chest wall tumors. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate our experience and outcomes with resection and reconstruction of chest wall tumors. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent resection of benign or malignant chest wall tumors at our institution between 1992 and 2009 was conducted. Only resections of the bony thorax were included. Median follow-up was 25 months (range 1–227 months). Results: Twenty-five patients underwent bony thoracic resection at our institution. Three of these patients had benign tumors: giant cell tumor, chondromyxoid fibroma, and an osteochondroma causing dysphagia. Thoracic or pediatric surgeons assisted in 16 of these cases. Plastic surgery assisted with soft-tissue reconstruction in eight cases. Only five of 22 (23%) patients with a malignant tumor had a positive margin at the time of resection. The 5-year and 10-year survival based on Kaplan-Meier Survival curve was 83%. Patients with chondrosarcoma had a significantly greater recurrence-free survival than all other malignant histiotypes (83% compared with 50%). Respiratory complications were minimal, with 52% extubated on the day of surgery and an average time until extubation of 1.7 days. Six patients had chronic pain at latest follow-up. Conclusions: While rarely a substantial portion of orthopaedic residency or even musculoskeletal oncology fellowship training, resections of the bony thorax can be performed successfully and safely by orthopaedic oncologists. By following appropriate sarcoma principles, optimal results can be obtained with minimal perioperative morbidity.

Reconstruction after major chest wall resection: Can rigid fixation be avoided?

Rigid fixation is advocated as the best method to achieve good respiratory outcomes after chest wall resection at the expense of a high complication rate. The following study aims to examine the role of myocutaneous pedicled flaps, with or without soft prosthesis, in the reconstruction of small and large chest wall defects. All patients who underwent resection of chest wall tumors between 2003-2010 were identified from a prospectively entered database. Operative and postoperative outcomes were documented. Patients were stratified into 2 separate groups based on the size of the residual chest wall defect; the Small Defect (SD) group (<60 cm(2)) and the Large Defect (LD) group (>60 cm(2)). Thirty-seven patients were identified over a 7-year period: 9 in the SD group and 28 in the LD group. Primary sarcoma was the most common indication for resection (57%). The mean size of the chest wall defect was 50.8 cm(2) in the SD group and 149.4 cm(2) in the LD group (P = .001). All patients underwent reconstruction with autologous tissue, nonrigid prosthesis, or a combination of the two. Prosthesis was used in 11% of patients in the SD group and 61% of patients in the LD group (P = .018). The rate of immediate postoperative extubation was 100% in the SD group and 89% in the LD group (P = .42). The rate of postoperative pneumonia was 7% in the LD group vs 0% in the SD group. The rate of surgical site infection was 7% in the LD group and 0% in the SD group. A subgroup analysis of the LD group demonstrated no statistical differences in any of the measured outcomes between patients in whom mesh prosthesis was used and patients in whom a myocutaneous flap alone was used. However, there was a clinical suggestion of prolonged ventilation in the subgroup where mesh was not used and of higher infection rates in the subgroup where mesh was used. Small chest wall defects can be reconstructed with pedicled myocutaneous flaps alone without compromising respiratory outcomes. In carefully selected patients with moderate size defects larger than 60 cm(2), reconstruction with pedicled myocutaneous flap alone offers similar postoperative outcomes as reconstruction with nonrigid prosthesis, at the expense of a possible need for a short period of mechanical ventilation.

Novel titanium constructs for chest wall reconstruction in children

PurposeWe have previously reported the use of the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) for treatment of thoracic dystrophy. This report describes our experience with this device and other novel titanium constructs for chest wall reconstruction. MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review of all children and adolescents undergoing chest wall reconstruction with titanium constructs between December 2005 and May 2010. ResultsSix patients have undergone chest wall reconstruction with VEPTR or other titanium constructs. Four had chest wall resection for primary malignancy, 1 had metastatic chest wall tumor resection, and 1 had congenital chest wall deformity. There were no immediate complications, and all patients have exhibited excellent respiratory function with no scoliosis. ConclusionsChest wall reconstruction after tumor resection or for primary chest wall deformities can be effectively accomplished with VEPTR and other customized titanium constructs. Goals should be durable protection of intrathoracic organs and preservation of thoracic volume and function throughout growth. Careful preoperative evaluation and patient-specific planning are important aspects of successful reconstruction.

Thoracic Surgery Skill Proficiency with Chest Wall Tumor Simulator

Inclusion of specialized simulation into surgery training may enhance the educational experience of residents. We set out to develop a simulated chest wall tumor model to teach the specifics skills needed for chest wall tumor resection with prosthetic reconstruction. The model was constructed from porcine rib blocs and additional materials (Fig. 1A and B). Thirteen general surgery residents were asked to perform en bloc tumor resection with "mesh sandwich" reconstruction of the chest wall defect (Fig. 2A and B). Evaluation consisted of knowledge-based examination, operative time, and skill assessment with an objective checklist and subjective global rating scale. A thoracic surgeon proctored and evaluated the practice sessions. Scores on the knowledge-based examination suggested no association with resident training year. More time was needed by junior level residents to complete the simulated operative task, even though the average time improved with repetitive practice. Average task-specific scores were comparable amongst the resident groups. The mid-level residents demonstrated the greatest improvement in skill proficiency; however, scores were consistently highest amongst the PGY-5s Our data suggest simulation is an effective teaching tool and training module for skill development needed for rarely performed procedures. The incorporation of this and similar simulation trainers is likely to improve surgical education and patient safety.

The results of surgical treatment of chest wall tumors in childhood

Chest wall tumors (CWT) are rarely seen in childhood and surgery constitutes a complementary part of the therapy. The early and late results of CWT resection and chest wall reconstruction were evaluated retrospectively. The children who underwent chest wall resection for CWT between January 1990 and November 2003 were evaluated retrospectively. Seventeen children (male/female = 12/5, mean age: 7.58 years) underwent chest wall resection for CWT. Fifteen patients underwent initial biopsy (tru-cut, n = 8 or open biopsy, n = 7) and two underwent initial resection. The diagnosis was malignant tumor in 12 (70%) and benign in 5 (30%). They were Ewing's sarcoma (ES) (n = 4), primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) (n = 3), Askin's tumor (n = 1), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) (n = 2), neuroblastoma (n = 2), osteochondroma (n = 1), aneurysmal bone cyst (n = 2) and hamartoma (n = 2). Preoperative chemotherapy was given to most patients with malignant tumor. All patients had only local tumor at the time of resection. Thoracotomy was performed in all patients. All tumor tissues with the affected rib/ribs were resected en bloc with the adjacent tissues. The number of resected ribs was 1 (n = 6), 2 (n = 7) and 3 (n = 4). Chest wall defects were repaired primarily (n = 8) or with grafts (n = 9). Dura (n = 4), Neuro-patch (n = 3) and Goretex (n = 2) were used for closure. Wound infection and pleural fistula occurred in one patient. Patients with benign tumor were free of complaints or complications during follow up. All patients with malignant tumor received postoperative chemotherapy. Local recurrence did not occur in all patients. Five patients developed distant metastasis and two died. Scoliosis was encountered in one patient during follow-up. Since most of the CWT are malignant and not initially suitable for surgical excision, the management includes tissue diagnosis either by tru-cut or open biopsy. Determination of malignant condition should be followed by an intensive chemotherapy. Chest wall resection is planned to control local disease. Chest wall reconstruction may be needed for large defects following resection of CWT. Prosthetic materials can be used safely. Early complications of the surgery are limited. The patients should be closely followed up for late complications such as scoliosis, restrictive pulmonary disease and for the development of metastasis, which is a part of natural course of malignant CWT in children.

Surgical Resection of Secondary Chest Wall Tumors

The objective of this study was to evaluate which factors influence survival following surgical resection of secondary tumors of the chest wall (non-bronchial carcinoma). Between 1990 and 2001, 69 patients (23 men, 46 women) underwent chest wall resection with curative intent. All of the patients were retrospectively analyzed for sex and age, presenting symptoms, tumor location, disease-free interval, histology, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, surgical techniques and extent of resection, 30-day mortality and long-term survival. The most common tumors were isolated locally recurrent breast cancer (n = 33) and renal cell carcinoma (n = 17). Resection of chest wall tumors in all of the other patients revealed a kaleidoscope of different pathologies (n = 19). Overall 5-year survival was 38 %. In patients with isolated recurrence of breast cancer and in patients with chest wall metastases of renal cell cancer, the median survival was 40.6 months and 53.7 months, respectively. A disease-free interval of more than 24 months and no systemic chemotherapy after mastectomy were parameters for a favorable prognosis in patients with breast cancer. We conclude that chest wall resection of secondary chest wall tumors is a safe and effective treatment as part of a multidisciplinary approach. The role of surgery will continue to evolve as improvements in systemic treatment occur.

Full thickness chest wall reconstruction after tumor resection by myocutaneous flap

Full thickness chest wall defects result when a chest wall tumor resection is necessary. The feasibility of a reconstruction is sometimes unfamiliar to the oncologist or thoracic surgeon; this can be the reason for refusing the possibility of surgical resection or inappropriate coverage of the defect. Our experiences over the last 7 years in collaboration between plastic the thoracic surgical services, shows that it is generally possible to utilize a myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of even extensive full thickness chest wall defects. The reconstruction of any full thickness chest wall defect after tumor resection by myocutaneous flaps is almost always possible with low mortality, acceptable morbidity and good results, mechanically and aesthetically. The experience with the different reconstruction techniques clearly shows the preference for the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, but also emphazises that the other kinds of reconstruction must be kept in mind for special indications.

Results in surgery for primary and metastatic chest wall tumors.

Resection of chest wall tumors is often indicated for palliation from pain or chronic ulceration. However, under various conditions, it may lead to lasting tumor control and substantial freedom of disease might be achieved. Therefore, the long-term survival after chest wall resection for primary and metastatic tumors and its relation to the underlying histology was analyzed. The medical files of 82 consecutive patients with tumors of the chest wall operated between 1 January 1989 and 31 October 1998 were reviewed. Follow-up data were collected from the outpatient's clinic and house physicians, respectively. Complete excision was accomplished in 71 patients. In 19 patients, partial or complete resection of the sternum was performed. Twenty-eight patients underwent chest wall resection extending to intrathoracic structures (lung, diaphragm, pericardium). The following subgroups were defined according to the histology: (A), sarcoma (n=32); (B), breast cancer (n=22); (C), renal cell cancer (n=9); (D), other metastases (n=7); (E), miscellaneous (n=12). The survival probability was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method (SAS software system). One of 41 female patients died from postoperative complications on day 30 after resection of ulcerating breast cancer recurrence (hospital mortality, 1.2%). The median survival times in groups A-E were 27, 32, 19, 16 and 22 months, respectively. Chest wall resection offers immediate relief in the case of severe pain and unpleasant sequelae of ulceration. Moreover, it contributes to substantial long-term survival. This, in particular, applies to local recurrence after breast cancer.

An innovative method of reconstruction of large skeletal chest wall defects.

The reconstruction of large skeletal defects of the chest wall is considered complex and difficult. A simple technique for this repair, using polymethylmethacrylate ribs that are prefabricated in a prosthodontic laboratory using heat cure polymer, is presented. These ribs are used as bone substitutes while reconstructing the chest wall defect. The prefabricated polymethylmethacrylate ribs have been used to reconstruct the large chest wall defects after resection of chest wall tumors in three patients. There was risk of severe paradoxical movement of the chest wall without the skeletal defect reconstruction. In all of the cases, there was no need for postoperative mechanical ventilation and there was no paradoxical movement. Cosmetically, it was highly satisfactory. In one patient, the stainless steel wire caused a sinus after 1 year of reconstruction, requiring removal of the wire and the rib, but it did not compromise the stability of the chest wall. We conclude that reconstruction of large chest wall defects with prefabricated polymethylmethacrylate ribs is simple, cost-effective, and easy to plan and execute.

Ｍａｒｌｅｘ ｍｅｓｈによる胸壁再建法の検討

We evaluated the results of repairing large chest wall defects using marlex mesh in 7 cases. There were 4 male and 3 female patients ranging in age from 10 to 64 years (median age, 29 years). Ewing's sarcoma accounted for 2 cases, followed by one chondrosarcoma, one angiosarcoma of bone, one metastatic sternal tumor, one fibrosarcoma and one desmoid tumor. In all cases resection of chest wall tumors was done including a partial resection of the sternum in 3 cases. There were no remarkable complications postoperatively, and all patients remain alive without any trouble in ventilatory and circulatory function. In this paper, we stressed the utility of marlex mesh for repairing large defects of the chest wall.

Reconstruction of full thickness chest wall defects.

Over the last 5 years, 14 patients were treated by wide en bloc resection of chest wall tumors with primary reconstruction. There were nine females and five male patients with an age range of 31-77 years. All patients had a skeletal resection of the chest wall. An average of 3.9 ribs were resected in the patients treated. In three patients a partial sternectomy was carried out in conjunction with the rib resections. Chest wall skeletal defects were reconstructed with Prolene mesh, which was placed under tension. Soft tissue reconstruction utilized selected portions of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous territory with fasciocutaneous extensions beyond the muscle itself. Primary healing was obtained in all patients and secondary procedures were not required. The average hospitalization was 23 days. All patients survived the resection and reconstruction and were alive 30 days after operation. In selected patients the preservation of a portion of the innervated muscle in situ or the transfer of the muscle with the preservation of its resting length has maintained the majority of the muscle function.

New trends in skeletal reconstruction after resection of chest wall tumors

New trends in skeletal reconstruction after resection of chest wall tumors

New Trends in Skeletal Reconstruction after Resection of Chest Wall Tumors

Involvement of the chest wall in malignant tumors, either primary or resulting from contiguous or metastatic spread, occurs in less than 5% of thoracic malignancies. From 1963 through 1978, 155 patients had chest wall resection in continuity with the tumor. Eighty-five tumors were carcinomas, and 70 were sarcomas. Since 1973 reconstruction of chest wall defects in 12 patients has included the use of a composite of Marlex mesh and methyl methacrylate. It provides an excellent replacement both physiologically and esthetically. Such a reconstructed chest wall has obviated the need for postoperative respiratory support. The overall mortality was 4.5% (7 out of 155). The 5-year survival in this varied group of patients is 20%. We believe excellent palliation can be achieved even in patients who are not potentially curable.