Gebremariyam ZT, Woldemariam ST, Beyene TD, Baharu LM. Reconstruction of massive chest wall defect after malignant chest wall mass excision in resource limited setting, a case report.
Int J Surg Case Rep 2024;
117:109496. [PMID:
38503161 PMCID:
PMC10963599 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109496]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Chest wall tumors, rare but impactful, constitute less than 2 % of the population and 5 % of thoracic neoplasms. Wide-margin resection is vital, often causing substantial defects necessitating reconstruction. However, in resource-limited settings like sub-Saharan Africa, access to reconstruction materials is limited. We present a successful case of managing a massive chest wall defect using flexible wire and polypropylene mesh in such a context.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 40-year-old male presented with a gradually enlarging anterolateral chest wall mass, diagnosed as low-grade synovial sarcoma. Imaging revealed involvement of the 6th to 11th ribs with compression of the diaphragm and liver. A multidisciplinary team planned wide-margin excision, chest wall reconstruction, and adjuvant chemoradiation. Using a sternal wire bridge and polypropylene mesh, the 25 cm by 15 cm defect was reconstructed, covered with a latissimus dorsi flap. The patient recovered well postoperatively, highlighting the feasibility of innovative approaches in resource-limited settings.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Defects larger than 5 cm or involving over 4 ribs require reconstruction to prevent lung herniation and respiratory issues, especially for anteriorolateral defects. Our case featured a 25 by 15 cm anteriorolateral chest wall defect, necessitating rigid reconstruction. Due to resource constraints, we utilized flexible wires and polypropylene mesh, offering a cost-effective solution for managing massive chest wall defects.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the challenges faced in managing chest wall tumors in resource-constrained regions and emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions for achieving successful outcomes in chest wall reconstruction.
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