[Chest wall reconstruction in acquired defects]

Plastic surgery in chest wall reconstruction: relevant aspects - case series

Objective: to discuss the participation of Plastic Surgery in the reconstruction of the chest wall, highlighting relevant aspects of interdisciplinaryness. Methods: we analyzed charts from 20 patients who underwent extensive resection of the thoracic integument, between 2000 and 2014, recording the indication of resection, the extent and depth of the raw areas, types of reconstructions performed and complications. Results: among the 20 patients, averaging 55 years old, five were males and 15 females. They resections were: one squamous cell carcinoma, two basal cell carcinomas, five chondrosarcomas and 12 breast tumors. The extent of the bloody areas ranged from 4x9 cm to 25x40 cm. In 12 patients the resection included the muscular plane. In the remaining eight, the tumor removal achieved a total wall thickness. For reconstruction we used: one muscular flap associated with skin grafting, nine flaps and ten regional fasciocutaneous flaps. Two patients undergoing reconstruction with fasciocutaneous flaps had partially suffering of the flap, solved with employment of a myocutaneous flap. The other patients displayed no complications with the techniques used, requiring only one surgery. Conclusion: the proper assessment of local tissues and flaps available for reconstruction, in addition to the successful integration of Plastic Surgery with the specialties involved in the treatment, enable extensive resections of the chest wall and reconstructions that provide patient recovery.

Multi-staged flap reconstruction for complex radiation thoracic ulcer

INTRODUCTION

Chest wall reconstruction due to previous radiation therapy can be challenging and complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The authors present the case of a 84-year-old woman with a right chest wall radionecrosis ulcer, that was submitted to an ablative surgery resulting in a full-thickness defect of 224 cm², firstly reconstructed with a pedicled omental flap. Due to partial flap necrosis, other debridements and chest wall multi-staged flap reconstruction were performed.

DISCUSSION

This case highlights that the reconstructive choice should be individualized and dependent on patient and local factors. The authors advise that surgical team should work closely and be well versed in chest wall reconstruction with a variety of pedicled flaps, when a complication occurs.

CONCLUSION

A multi-staged flap reconstruction could be a salvage procedure for the coverage of complex, great and complicated chest wall defects due to previous radiation therapy.

Single-stage repair of the anterior chest wall following sternal destruction complicated by mediastinitis

PURPOSE

Although various techniques have been described, the ideal reconstructive procedure for treating massive sternal fragmentation and necrosis is still a matter of debate. Sometimes, reconstruction is so challenging that repetitive operations are required, particularly when complicated by mediastinitis and sternal osteomyelitis.

METHODS

Five patients (three males, two females, median age 66) with severe osteomyelitis and sternal destruction after receiving myocardial revascularization underwent partial or radical sternal resection, omental flap transposition, titanium mesh implantation and rectus abdominis muscle flap transposition. The final procedure involved single-stage closure.

RESULTS

One patient died 9 days after the final procedure due to pneumonia and septicemia. The other patients received antibiotics for at least 6 weeks postoperatively. The mean hospital stay was 36 days. Optimal wound healing was observed, with acceptable cosmetic disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Although lateral sternal support is the first-line surgical treatment for sternal dehiscence, performing primary closure of complicated defects is often impossible. Aggressive treatment modalities are required in such cases for anterior chest wall defects. This technique provides the ability to perform rigid and stable sternal closure in complicated cases.