Analysis and long-term survival in sternectomy with plastic reconstruction for primary and secondary neoplasms of the sternum

From January 1980 to December 1999, 88 patients underwent surgical resection for tumours involving the sternum. Thirty were males, aged 16 to 76 years, and 58 females, aged 23 to 78 years (mean ages: 48 and 53 years, respectively). There were 30 primary malignant tumours, 28 local recurrences or distant metastases from breast cancer, 16 other tumours, and 14 radionecroses. Total sternectomy was performed in 8 cases, subtotal (> 50%) in 32, and partial (< 50%) in 48. Concurrent en-bloc resection of the anterior ribs was performed in 61 patients, and of the clavicle in 13. Resection was extended to the lung in 22 patients, to the pericardium in 17, to both in 2, to the diaphragm and pericardium in 4. Bone and soft tissue defects were repaired with prosthetic material associated with a muscular or myocutaneous flap in 55 patients, with prosthetic material alone in 13 cases, with a muscular or myocutaneous flap in 5 cases, and with other techniques in the remaining patients. The resection was considered to be macroscopically radical in 78 patients and palliative in 10 cases. There was one perioperative mortality and significant morbidity was limited to 13 cases. Among the patients treated with a radical intent, 48 were alive and disease-free at the end of follow-up. The 10-year survival rate was 85% in primary tumours. For breast cancer relapses, 10-year survival was the same as 5-year survival (41.8%). In our experience, an en-bloc sternal resection for a primary or secondary tumour, followed by plastic repair using prosthetic material and/or a myocutaneous flap, is a safe, effective treatment. This intervention permits the execution of extensive radical resections for sternal neoplasms, as well as enabling the patient to obtain a better quality of life. Long-term survival after radical sternectomy also depends on the histological type of the tumour.     

Microvascular reconstructions of full-thickness oncological chest wall defects

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the suitability of microvascular flaps for the reconstruction of extensive full-thickness defects of the chest wall. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Chest wall defects are conventionally reconstructed with pedicular musculocutaneous flaps or the omentum. Sometimes, however, these flaps have already been used, are not reliable due to previous operations or radiotherapy, or are of inadequate size. In such cases, microvascular flaps offer the only option for reconstruction. METHODS: From 1988 to 2001, 26 patients with full-thickness resections of the chest wall underwent reconstruction with microvascular flaps. There were 8 soft tissue sarcomas, 8 recurrent breast cancers, 5 chondrosarcomas, 2 desmoid tumors, 1 large cell pulmonary cancer metastasis, 1 renal cancer metastasis, and 1 bronchopleural fistula. The surgery comprised 5 extended forequarter amputations, 5 lateral resections, 8 thoracoabdominal resections, and 8 sternal resections. The mean diameter of a resection was 28 cm. The soft tissue defect was reconstructed with 16 tensor fasciae latae, 5 tensor fascia latae combined with rectus femoris, and 3 transversus rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps. In 2 patients with a forequarter amputation, the remnant forearm was used as the osteomusculocutaneous free flap. RESULTS: There were no flap losses or perioperative mortality. Four patients needed tracheostomy owing to prolonged respiratory difficulties. The mean survival time for patients with sarcomas was 39 months and for those with recurrent breast cancer 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive chest wall resections are possible with acceptable results. In patients with breast cancer, the surgery may offer valuable palliation and in those with sarcomas it can be curative.     

A subtotal sternectomy successfully reconstructed with composix mesh.

Sternal tumors are uncommon, which often require extended resections with reconstructions. Various techniques have been used, including a choice of prostheses and the use of musculocutaneous flaps for reconstructions. A 74-year-old male presented with a metastatic sternal tumor. He underwent a subtotal sternectomy with partial resection of bilateral clavicles and ribs. A sternal reconstruction was performed with Composix mesh and pectoralis major (PM) muscle flaps. This prosthesis was thought to be very suitable due to the ease of handling, good stability, and prevention of adhesion. In comparison to conventional prostheses, these points could be advantageous.     

Resection of Sternal Tumors and Reconstruction of the Thorax: A Review of 15 Patients

Purpose We report our experience of resecting sternal tumors, followed by reconstruction of the skeletal and soft-tissue defects, and discuss the usefulness of sandwiched Marlex and stainless-steel mesh. Methods Fifteen patients underwent resection of a sternal tumor and chest wall reconstruction with autologous bone grafts, sandwiched Marlex and stainless-steel mesh or a titanium plate, and musculocutaneous flaps. The sternal tumors were from locally recurrent breast carcinoma in ten patients, metastasis from other organs in three, and primary chondrosarcoma in two. Results All patients were extubated without paradoxical respiration just after surgery. There was no operative mortality. A wound infection developed in the acute phase after a sandwiched Marlex and stainless-steel mesh reconstruction in one patient. A second repair with Marlex and stainless-steel mesh was required in two patients; for flail chest after an autologous bone graft in one; and following re-recurrence of breast carcinoma in another patient who had undergone a musculocutaneous flap repair. No signs of breakdown, dislodgment, severe depression, or deformity were seen in any of the six patients who underwent reconstruction with Marlex and stainless-steel mesh during a median follow-up period of 56 months. Conclusions Wide resection of sternal tumors provides good local control. Reconstruction with Marlex and stainless-steel mesh seems to be the most effective technique for repairing a wide anterior chest wall defect.     

Current techniques for chest wall reconstruction: expanded possibilities for treatment

Myocutaneous flaps and prosthetic materials have greatly facilitated reconstruction after massive chest wall resection. This series includes 112 such procedures. Latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, omental, pectoralis major, and contralateral breast flaps were used in 80 patients. Early in the series, 3 flaps were lost because of technical problems. Minor areas of incomplete healing that resolved completely with local wound care occurred in 16 of 80 flaps. Skeletal reconstruction was performed in 82 patients without complication. Marlex mesh was used for flat surfaces, and Marlex mesh with methyl methacrylate was used for the sternum and the curved surface of the lateral chest wall. These results have allowed an expansion of the indications for chest wall resection to include the curative treatment of primary chest wall tumors and palliative treatment for breast cancer patients with osteoradionecrosis, local recurrence (in select patients), chest wall infection, and tumors metastatic to the chest wall.     

Analysis of complications in 168 pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps used for head and neck reconstruction

One hundred sixty-eight pectoralis major muscular and myocutaneous flaps performed at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center during the past five years were reviewed retrospectively to determine complication rates following operation and to evaluate the effect of risk factors such as smoking, obesity, sex, previous radiotherapy, and tumor stage on the incidence of such complications. The overall rate of complications was 63%; however, most of these complications were self-limited, and the rate of total flap loss was only 2.4%. The risk of a complication developing was increased slightly in patients who smoked cigarettes and in patients with larger tumors. Obesity and previous radiotherapy had no effect on complication rates. Women who underwent pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps had a higher rate of flap necrosis than did men, presumably because of the interposition of breast tissue between the muscle and the skin paddle. In patients who had muscle flaps (without skin paddles), sex had no influence on complication rates. In all groups of patients, flaps consisting of muscle alone had fewer complications than did flaps with a cutaneous component.     

What is the role of carotid arterial resection in the management of advanced cervical cancer?

From 1977 through 1988, 16 patients underwent carotid artery resection and reconstruction or simple ligation in the treatment of advanced cervical carcinomas. Three patients underwent carotid artery ligation, with postoperative transient ischemic attacks, which resolved, in one patient. In the remaining 13 patients, interposition saphenous vein grafts were used to reconstruct the resected carotid arteries. In one of these 13 patients, the previously unresected carotid artery ruptured and was treated by carotid artery resection with interposition vein grafting and coverage by a myocutaneous flap. There were two immediate postoperative strokes, with excellent neurologic recovery in one, and one late postoperative stroke (6 months). There was one postoperative death. Adjunctive intraoperative irradiation (1500 to 2000 rad) was employed in 15 patients to decrease the risk of recurrent disease. Since 1982, pectoralis major muscle flaps have been constructed in all patients to cover the vein grafts, with no subsequent carotid artery blowouts. Seven patients are free of cancer more than 1 year after surgery. In conclusion, carotid artery resection for the treatment of advanced cervical carcinomas may be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates in carefully selected cases. Coverage of the vein graft by a myocutaneous flap appears to protect against carotid artery blowout. Intraoperative irradiation appears to decrease significantly the local recurrence rate of these aggressive tumors.     

Sternal resection and reconstruction for primary malignant tumors

BACKGROUND: Primary malignant sternal tumors (PMST) are locally aggressive and their optimal surgical management still continues to evolve. METHODS: From 1986 to 2002, 38 patients (25 females/13 males) underwent radical resection of PMST. This series included 33 sarcomas, 17 of which had been radiation-induced, 3 hematologic tumors, and 2 carcinomas. Seventeen were high-grade tumors. Nine patients had received preoperative chemotherapy. Twelve patients required extensive skin excision. Eight total, seven subtotal, and 23 partial sternectomies were performed. Resection was extended to the anterior chest-wall in 4 patients, lung in 4, brachiocephalic vein in 3, superior vena cava in 2, and pericardium in 1. In 36 patients, chest wall stability was obtained by Marlex (n = 21) or Vicryl (n = 2) mesh and polytetrafluoroethylene patch (n = 13), with methylmethacrylate reinforcement in 12 patients. Soft tissue coverage was done by the pectoralis major muscles with skin advancement in 25 patients, a myocutaneous flap in 11, a breast transposition in 1, and a skin flap in 1. Omentoplasty was performed in 3 patients. RESULTS: One patient died from pneumonia. Two patients needed a tracheostomy after total sternectomy. No flap-related complication was observed. Four local septic complications required removal of the composite prosthesis with reoperations. Local recurrence occurred in 9 patients, 7 patients having a repeat resection. Metastases developed in eight. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival was 66% and 53%, respectively. The histologic grade of sarcomas was a survival predictor (high grade versus others p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Wide resection of PMST is necessary to minimize local recurrence. Large sternal defects are safely reconstructed with a musculocutaneous flap. We suggest that the use of methylmethacrylate should be limited to reconstruction after total sternectomy.     

Closure of infected sternal wounds with a unilateral rectus abdominis muscle flap in addition to bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous advancement flaps

We have recently added to our regimen a unilateral rectus abdominis muscle flap to cover the lower sternum and adjacent soft tissues, in addition to bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous advancement flaps for closure of infected sternal wounds. Twenty patients underwent this procedure for closure of infected sternal wounds after initial débridement at our institutions. There were no intraoperative deaths in this series, but three patients died of other medical conditions. Two patients developed hematomas and one developed recurrent sternal wound infection after surgery; two had superficial wound infections and five had minor wound problems (i.e., skin edge necrosis). All surviving patients (17/20, 85%) had healed sternal wounds with normal chest contour and there were no instances of flap necrosis, sternal wound dehiscence, or abdominal wall hernia during the follow-up (18–60 months). Based upon our experience, we recommend a unilateral rectus abdominis muscle flap in addition to bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous advancement flaps for selected patients with infected sternal wounds. This approach provides reliable soft tissue coverage with acceptable morbidity and mortality in this high-risk patient population. Received: 29 July 1998 / Accepted: 1 March 1999     

PRIMARY RECONSTRUCTION AFTER EXTENSIVE CHEST WALL RESECTION

Background : Chest wall resection and reconstruction has been proven to be a safe surgical procedure. This is particularly useful for breast cancer patients with chest wall recurrences or for those who first present with locally advanced cancer in the chest wall where there is both a large soft tissue and bony defect that need repair. In addition, many of these patients have had irradiation or chemotherapy, which can significantly impair wound healing. Methods : Thirty-four patients underwent chest wall resection and primary reconstruction over an 8-year period. Results : Twenty-three patients had breast carcinomas and six had breast and chest wall sarcomas. Of the breast carcinoma patients, 12 had local recurrences and 11 presented with locally advanced primary disease. Bony resection of the chest wall was required in 16 (47%) cases. Thirty myocutaneous flaps (18 rectus abdominis, four pectoralis major, eight latissimus dorsi) and three omental flaps were used for reconstruction. One required a deltovertebral skin flap. Skeletal reconstruction was necessary in four cases. All except one (97%) achieved primary wound healing. There was one mortality (3%) and three patients required further surgery for complications that were related to the reconstruction. Post-resection metastases occurred in 13 (42%) patients and only 2 (6%) had local recurrences. The 2-year survival rate was 78% with a mean survival time of 25.5 months. Conclusions : Primary reconstruction for curative or palliative purposes is a useful and safe surgical procedure for patients with recurrent or locally advanced chest malignancies after extensive chest wall resection. Pedicled myocutaneous flap is the preferred option for skeletal and soft-tissue coverage.     

Management of tracheal tumors

Since 1962, 110 primary tracheal tumors have been seen including 43 squamous cell carcinomas, 38 adenoid cystic, and 29 varied. Sixty-nine patients underwent resection of their primary tumors; an additional 33 patients with secondary tumors involving the trachea also underwent resection. Seventy-three of these 102 patients underwent primary reanastomosis. In 17, laryngotracheal resection was required; staged resections were done for the rest. Survival data indicate that benign tumors are cured by resection with reconstruction and that patients with squamous cell carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and other types of malignant lesions obtained either long-term palliation or cure if surgical resection was possible. In patients with selected types of secondary tumors, resection and reconstruction provide prolonged palliation.     

Infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction

Infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is one of the alternatives to be considered for the reconstruction of moderate defects following resection of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or hypopharynx cancers. The flap is based on the uni-or bilateral superior thyroid pedicle; its major limitations are due to small flap volume and arc of rotation. The authors reviewed a series of 15 consecutive patients with carcinomas of the oral cavity or pharynx who underwent radical surgical resections followed by immediate reconstruction using an infrahyoid myocutaneous flap. Four of five cases with prior irradiation presented complications. The incidence of flap necrosis in this series (47%) was higher than that reported by others (10%). We consider the presence of massive neck metastasis and prior irradiation contraindications to the use of this flap.     

Simple pectoralis major myocutaneous advancement flaps for closure after sternal wound dehiscence

Between October 1994 and March 1996, 14 consecutive patients with a wound dehiscence after median sternotomy for cardiac surgery were treated with pectoralis major myocutaneous advancement flaps. After thorough sternal wound debridement, the sternal edges were contoured to create a shallow defect. This was to enable the obliteration of dead space between the mediastinum and the flaps. The pectoralis muscle was then elevated off the chest wall, its humeral attachment, the thoraco-acromial pedicle and the connection with the skin were left intact. Next, the bilateral myocutaneous flaps were advanced medially and approximated to each other in the midline. The mean operation time was 140 min and the mean follow-up time was 10 months. Four patients developed minor complications. The advantage of this technique is its simplicity and the reduction in mean operation time. Received: 30 December 1999 / Accepted: 3 February 2000     

应用下腹部横形腹直肌肌皮瓣再造乳房

应用下腹部横形腹直肌肌皮瓣进行４例乳房再造，其中２例为皮瓣带蒂转移，于乳癌根治切除术后即刻完成乳房再造；２例为血管吻合肌皮瓣游离移植，分别于根治术后２个月和５年进行乳房再造。术后游离皮瓣完全成活，带蒂皮瓣分别于术后２￣３周出现脂肪液化，经换药痊愈。４例乳房外形基本满意。随访１０个月￣１８个月，２例游离移植未见异常，１例带蒂转移二术后１年出现腹壁薄弱膨隆，另１例失访。     

Clinical studies on reconstruction procedure of total layer chest wall resection

The results of clinical studies on 16 reconstruction procedure after total layer chest wall resection in 14 cases of malignant tumor of the chest wall were reported. The 14 cases consisted of two cases with recurrent primary chest wall tumor, two cases of primary breast cancer, seven cases of recurrent breast cancer, and others. The reconstruction procedure after total layer chest wall resection was conducted using only various myocutaneous flaps (eight cases using latissimus dorsi of the resected side, three cases using the abdominitis of the resected side, three cases using latissimus dorsi of the non-resected side, and two cases using a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap of the non-resected side). reconstruction only using a myocutaneous flap proved to be satisfactory for preventing early stage postoperative respiratory distress and maintaining the stability of the chest wall and respiratory function during prolonged observation. Namely, use of myocutaneous flap is the best approach of reconstruction the chest wall after total layer chest wall resection. We confirmed that reconstruction with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap of the non-resected side with microvascular anastomosis of thoracodorsal vessels was useful for posterior chest wall tumors invading the latissimus dorsi muscle. Also, our results demonstrated the insertion of an omental flap under the myocutaneous flap was useful for cases with secondary chest wall infection or vascular damage caused by preoperative high dose irradiation.     

Radical mastectomy with intrapleural en bloc resection of internal mammary lymphnode by sternal splitting

An operative method of extended radical mastectomy involving intrapleuralen bloc resection of the internal mammary lymphnodes by sternal split was proposed. The operation enables complete resection of axillary and internal mammary lymphnodes. Seventy patients with primary breast cancer underwent the extended operation and two patients with recurence in the internal mammary lymphnode chain following standard radical mastectomy underwent resection of internal mammary lymphnodes by sternal split, with no fatalities and no increase in postoperative disabilities. Metastases to the internal mammary lymphnode chain were histopathologically found in 14 of 70 patients with primary breast cancer and in two with recurrence in the internal mammary lymphnode chain, following standard radical mastectomy; The location of the metastatic internal mammary lymphnodes was from just below the subclavicular vein to the third intercostal space along the internal mammary vessels. Cancer cells were seen not only in the lymphnodes, but also in lymphatics of areolar tissue near the node or in lymphatics between the parietal pleura and endothoracic fascia in patients with primary breast cancer. And cancer invasion to parietal pleura was seen in patients with recurrence in the internal mammary lymphnode chain following standard radical mastectomy. All these findings indicate the rationality of our extended procedures.     

Chest wall resections and reconstruction: a 25-year experience

Background. Chest wall defects continue to present a complicated treatment scenario for thoracic and reconstructive surgeons. The purpose of this study is to report our 25-year experience with chest wall resections and reconstructions.

Methods. A retrospective review of 200 patients who had chest wall resections from 1975 to 2000 was performed.

Results. Patient demographics included tobacco abuse, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and human immunodeficiency virus. Surgical indications included lung cancer, breast cancer, chest wall tumors, and severe pectus deformities. Twenty-nine patients had radiation necrosis and 31 patients had lung or chest wall infections. The mean number of ribs resected was 4 ± 2 ribs. Fifty-six patients underwent sternal resections. In addition 14 patients underwent forequarter amputations. Immediate closure was performed in 195 patients whereas delayed closure was performed in 5 patients. Primary repair without the use of reconstructive techniques was possible in 43 patients. Synthetic chest wall reconstruction was performed using Prolene mesh, Marlex mesh, methyl methacrylate sandwich, Vicryl mesh, and polytetrafluoroethylene. Flaps utilized for soft tissue coverage were free flap (17 patients) and pedicled flap (96 patients). Mean postoperative length of stay was 14 ± 14 days. Mean intensive care unit stay was 5 ± 9 days. In-hospital and 30-day survival was 93%.

Conclusions. Chest wall resection with reconstruction utilizing synthetic mesh or local muscle flaps can be performed as a safe, effective one-stage surgical procedure for a variety of major chest wall defects.     

乳癌根治一期乳房重建

报道1985年～1989年5月,为6例乳癌患者作根治术的同时,一期作带血管神经肌蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣移位重建乳房,全部取得成功。较详细介绍了手术设计及操作方法,讨论了在乳癌根治术同时行再造术的必要性,以及背阔肌肌皮瓣作为再造材料的优点。     

A free fibula autologous transfer for a full-thickness anterior chest wall defect

Large defects of the anterior chest wall lead to gross chest instability which can result in paradoxical respiration. Skeletal stabilization is an essential requirement in such cases. The current methods for achieving total or near total sternal reconstructions involve the use of alloplastic implant materials: prosthetic mesh with methyl methacrylate. In our experience, this method of reconstruction is often complicated by a persistent seroma and infection. A large full-thickness sternal defect was reconstructed by an osteotomized free fibula "Z" transfer and bilateral bipedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps. This case highlights the use of vascularized autologous tissue for a complex full-thickness anterior chest wall reconstruction.     

Use of prosthetic mesh in difficult abdominal wall closure after small bowel transplantation in adults

Abdominal wall closure after intestinal transplantation in adult patients can be a difficult procedure. The main possibility offered by international experience is the use of myocutaneous flaps and abdominal wall transplantation. We report our experience in intestinal/multivisceral transplantation, including four difficult cases among 27 adult transplant recipients. Three patients underwent prosthetic mesh alone and one, a myocutaneous flap for abdominal closure after primary mesh positioning. We selected a mesh with a structure that allowed us to close the abdomen without creating adhesions and, at the same time, stimulating tissue repair. Two patients experienced local mesh infection, which has been kept under clinical control by antibiotics and daily medications till neoabdominal wall formation. The mesh was then removed. Another patient underwent mesh substitution for a suspicious fever. The last patient had mesh as a bridge for a subsequent myocutaneous flap from the thigh. All patients are in good health with well-functioning grafts and no need for parenteral nutrition. No enterocutaneous fistulae were detected.