The use of veritas collagen matrix to reconstruct the posterior chest wall after costovertebrectomy

Among the new materials introduced for chest wall reconstruction, the use of collagen matrix is gaining increasing favor for its biomechanical properties. We describe the reconstruction of the chest wall with Veritas (Synovis, St Paul, MN) collagen matrix of a posterior chest wall defect after costovertebrectomy for Ewing's sarcoma. En bloc resection was performed, including partial D7 through D9 vertebrectomy along with the posterolateral segments of corresponding ribs. The collagen matrix patch was sutured to the spine stabilizer and the surrounding rib segments and was covered by previously raised latissimus dorsi and trapezius muscle flaps. Excellent stabilization was obtained.     

A suitable system of reconstruction with titanium rib prosthesis after chest wall resection for Ewing sarcoma

The recent improvements in chemotherapy and surgical resection in Ewing sarcoma (ES) increased the overall survival as well as the importance of chest wall reconstruction. These improvements are in order to avoid asymmetrical growth, functional and cosmetic compromise after surgery. Chest wall reconstruction still remains a big issue in young patients with ES. We present a case of ES of the left chest wall, arising from a rib, in a 14-year-old patient. He was admitted after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient underwent a chest wall resection of three ribs and a wedge lung resection of the upper lobe followed by chest wall reconstruction with Stratos? rib titanium prostheses. This new device is suitable for reconstruction after major chest wall resection with good cosmetic and functional results. During the follow-up, there was no evidence of local and distant recurrence, the pain was under control and there were no functional alterations in the chest wall.     

Rib fracture healing after osteosynthesis with wire mesh titanium and screws: a histological study in sheep

Twenty sheep were placed under general anesthesia and five ribs (6-10) were transected at their lateral angle using a pair of rib shears. The fractures were stabilized by titanium wire mesh plates. After 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks groups of 4 animals were sacrificed and rib samples were prepared for histological examinations. The study showed that the osteosynthesis stabilized the fractures and that the healing is similar to untreated rib fractures. This osteosynthesis method is a good contribution to severe injured chest treatment.     

Total vertebrectomy (Th2) and dissection of the subclavian artery for a superior sulcus tumor invading the spine: A case report

IntroductionSurgery for primary lung cancer invading the spine remains challenging. Here, we present a case of superior sulcus tumor (SST) with vertebral invasion, successfully resected with total vertebrectomy (Th2) and dissection of involved apical chest wall and the subclavian artery (SCA).Presentation of caseA 62-year-old man was referred with the diagnosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma originating from left upper lobe (clinical stage IIIA/T4N0M0) involving the thoracic vertebrae (Th2) as well as the apical chest wall including three ribs (1st, 2nd and 3rd) and SCA. After induction concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, we achieved complete resection by three-step surgical procedures as follows: first, the anterior portion of involved chest wall including SCA was dissected through the trans-manubrial approach (TMA); next, the posterior portion of involved chest wall including ribs was dissected and left upper lobectomy with nodal dissection was performed through posterolateral thoracotomy; finally, total vertebrectomy (Th2) was performed through posterior mid-line approach.DiscussionThis tumor was existence of anterior and posterior position in pulmonary apex region. So that, it is very important for complete resecting this complicated tumor to work out operation’s strategy.ConclusionSurgery may be indicated for SST invading the spine, when complete resection is expected.     

Novel titanium constructs for chest wall reconstruction in children

Purpose

We 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.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of all children and adolescents undergoing chest wall reconstruction with titanium constructs between December 2005 and May 2010.

Results

Six 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.

Conclusions

Chest 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.     

A case report on a full-thickness chest wall reconstruction with polypropylene mesh and stainless steel mesh concurrently using a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.

A full-thickness chest wall resection requires subsequent chest wall reconstruction. A chest wall resection and reconstruction was performed using a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, together with polypropylene mesh (Marlex mesh) and stainless steel mesh (SSM). A 71-year-old man was diagnosed as having recurrent lung cancer in the chest wall, and underwent surgical resection. Marlex mesh was sutured to the posterior wall of the surgical defect. A portion of the SSM was adjusted to the size of the defect and cut out. Its edges were folded to make the portion into a plate. This SSM plate was placed anteriorly to the Marlex mesh and sutured to the ribs. The Marlex mesh was folded back on the SSM plate by 2 cm and fixed. After the above procedures, a left-sided TRAM flap was raised through a subcutaneous tunnel up to the defect and sutured to the region. The patient was discharged from hospital 19 days postoperatively. The wound was fine and he had no flail chest or dyspnea, and carcinomatous pain resolved.     

Experience with titanium devices for rib fixation and coverage of chest wall defects

OBJECTIVES To describe our experience with two new titanium-based devices for chest wall reconstruction and stabilization. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 18 consecutive patients (multiple rib fractures n?=?9, iatrogenic rib fracture n?=?2, lung herniation n?=?2, chest wall tumour n?=?5) who underwent surgery for rib fractures or chest wall tumours requiring chest wall resection and reconstruction between October 2010 and March 2012 was conducted. Chest wall defects and rib fractures were fixed with titanium clips and bars or titanium plates and screws through a posterolateral thoracotomy. RESULTS There were 12 males, and the median age was 61 years. There were no postoperative deaths. The only postoperative complication observed was a pleural effusion requiring drainage in one patient who had titanium clips for the fixation of multiple traumatic rib fractures. Median length of stay of the drain and median length of hospital stay were 3 days (range 1-6) and 4 days (range 2-42 days), respectively. The average follow-up period of operatively managed patients was 6 months, (range 2-14 months). Two cases of hardware failure occurred in two patients treated for a lung hernia with large chest wall defects involving the anterior costal margin with either devices. CONCLUSIONS Titanium devices (clips and bars; screws and plates) are effective and safe for repair of rib fractures and large chest wall defect reconstruction with minimal complications and good long-term results.     

甲壳素长纤维增强聚己内酯的制备及重建犬胸壁缺损的实验研究

目的观察可降解性甲壳素长纤维增强聚己内酯(PCL)人工肋条用于犬胸壁缺损重建的作用。方法采用熔融共混、模压法制备甲壳素长纤维增强PCL人工肋条。建立10只10cm×8cm的胸壁缺损犬动物模型,对其中8只犬采用甲壳素长纤维增强PCL人工肋条(实验组)、2只犬采用Marlex网(对照组)进行缺损修复,观察人工胸壁的植入状况及胸壁组织的再生过程,术后1,4和6个月时进行X线摄片、CT扫描检查。结果所有犬无手术死亡和围手术期死亡。实验组2只出现轻度的反常呼吸,2周后反常呼吸消失;无胸壁塌陷、感染,无严重并发症。肋骨断端接触处新生骨增生明显,与人工肋条紧密接触,界面良好,固定牢靠。对照组术后有明显的胸壁塌陷和反常呼吸,网材有皱折发生。结论可降解性甲壳素长纤维增强PCL人工肋条能够对胸壁提供有效的支撑作用。     

Preservation of pulmonary function by chest wall reconstruction

Thirteen mongrel dogs were resected 4 ribs with surrounding tissue. Eight dogs had the chest wall closed by skin alone, and in five animals, the chest wall reconstructed by a polyethylene mesh or marlex sandwich. In the latter PaO2 was significantly higher than that of animals not undergoing reconstruction 3 days after operation. Pulmonary function was appeared to be preserved by reconstruction. Clinically, 68 cases underwent chest wall resection and in 28 cases, defects were reconstructed. Although only portions of 1 or 2 ribs were resected in the non-reconstructed cases, VC, FEV1, and TLC significantly dropped post-operatively. In the reconstructed cases, VC significantly dropped postoperatively. Post-operative complications occurred in 3.6% of the reconstructed cases and in 9.8% of the non-reconstructed cases. Since only 1 rib resection led to reduced ventilatory function clinically, reconstruction for small chest wall defects appears advisable for maintaining pulmonary function.     

New insights into the pathophysiology of flail segment: the implications of anterior serratus muscle in parietal failure.

OBJECTIVE: The wisdom of surgery facing multiple and multi-focal ribs fractures (flail segment) remains controversial. By the present retrospective study, we sought to determine the advisability of surgery as well as the anatomical and biomechanical features of flail segment leading to secondary dislocation. METHOD: From 1970 to 2000, 127 patients underwent flail segment osteosynthesis. Clinical charts, operative reports and imaging data were reviewed retrospectively. Rib osteosynthesis was carried out with Judet staple and Kirschner wires until 1980, since then it has been undertaken with sliding-staples-struts. Postoperative chest X-ray was carried out to classify the flail segments into anterolateral and posterolateral types according to the location of anterior and posterior rib fractures. Each type was then divided into three subgroups of primary parietal, secondary parietal and retreat indications that were inferred retrospectively from final indications of rib osteosynthesis. RESULTS: The mean age of patients (ranging in age from 20 to 84 years) was 56+/-14.4 years with a male predominance (108/19). Seventy percent of flail segments was considered as posterolateral. The mean number of rib fractures per patient was 6+/-0.35. Rib osteosynthesis was undertaken with sliding-staples-struts in 70% of patients. The overall hospital mortality was 16%; it was subsequently reduced to 8% since sliding-staples-struts were used. The mean duration of ventilation was reduced from 5.8+/-0.76 days to 2.98+/-0.83 days with sliding-staples-struts. Seventy-seven percent of patients with posterolateral flail segment and primary parietal indication were extubated within the first 48 h postoperatively, whereas 46% of patients from other subgroups required ventilation for more than 5 days. Similarly, 83% of patients of the former subgroup returned to full previous level of activity compared with a rate of 52% for the latter subgroups. The flail segments were dislocated superoposteriorly for both anterolateral and posterolateral types, evoking the action of anterior serratus muscle. CONCLUSIONS: The anterolateral and posterolateral flail segments are rendered susceptible to secondary dislocation through a complex set of factors, of which the action of anterior serratus muscle is obvious. Restoration of parietal mechanics by early surgical reduction/fixation is a reliable therapeutic option in selected patients and offers encouraging results.     

多发性肋骨骨折的内固定治疗

目的 对多发性肋骨骨折内固定手术治疗的手术指征、手术方法进行讨论。方法 对５７例多发性肋骨骨折中６例用软钢丝内固定,６例主要为单侧后外侧骨折,肋骨骨折数３￣７根,其中２例胸廓塌陷、变形,但无明显换壁软化。手术在全麻下经后外侧切口进行。结果术后胸壁稳定,有廓塌陷畸形接近矫正,疗效满意。结论 对于恶性胸壁塌陷的多发性肋骨骨折应行内固定治疗,用软钢丝对部分肋骨骨折进行复位固定是简单有效的方法。     

Primary angiosarcoma of the chest wall.

We report the case of a 15-year-old boy with primary high grade angiosarcoma of the 6th rib. The patient underwent chest wall resection (3 ribs) and reconstruction by using a sandwich of Marlex mesh with strips of methyl methacrylate. No adjuvant treatment was administered. A favourable outcome was observed, with no recurrence at 6-year follow-up. Functional results were excellent as well, with complete return of the patient to normal activities.     

Chest wall resection and reconstruction: a case series of 20 patients in Hospital Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia

Chest wall resection is defined as partial or full-thickness removal of the chest wall. Significant morbidity has been recorded, with documented respiratory failure as high as 27%. Medical records of all patients who had undergone chest wall resection and reconstruction were reviewed. Patients’ demographics, length of surgery, reconstruction method, size of tumor and chest wall defect, histopathological result, complications, duration of post-operative antibiotics, and hospital stay were assessed. From 1 April 2017 to 30 April 2019, a total of 20 patients underwent chest wall reconstructive surgery. The median age was 57 years, with 12 females and 8 males. Fourteen patients (70%) had malignant disease and 6 patients (30%) had benign disease. Nine patients underwent rigid reconstruction (titanium mesh for sternum and titanium plates for ribs), 6 patients had non-rigid reconstruction (with polypropylene or composite mesh), and 5 patients had primary closure. Nine patients (45%) required closure with myocutaneous flap. Complications were noted in 70% of patients. Patients who underwent primary closure had minor complications. In total, 66.7% of patients who had closure with either fasciocutaneous or myocutaneous flaps had threatened flap necrosis. Two patients developed pneumonia and 3 patients (15%) had respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy and prolonged ventilation. There was 1 mortality (5%) in this series. In conclusion, chest wall resections involving large defects require prudent clinical judgment and multidisciplinary assessments in determining the choice of chest wall reconstruction to improve outcomes.     

Problems in resection of chest wall sarcomas.

To illustrate the problems of reconstruction in major chest wall resection, five patients with a variety of soft tissue tumors of the chest wall, located at different sites, are presented. Patients, who underwent a lateral or posterolateral chest wall resection required removal of two to five ribs sequentially as well as the adjacent soft tissue. Those who underwent an anterior chest wall resection required resection of the manubrium or the body of sternum as well as of adjacent costal cartilages. To prevent instability of the chest, herniation, and to minimize flailing, the chest defect was bridged with the use of Marlex mesh. Whenever possible, the omentum was brought into the chest cavity to increase the vascularity of the reconstruction. Since, in most instances, the tumors involved the skin because of previous damage from radiation therapy, extensive skin coverage was planned well in advance of resection. Pedicle skin flaps or rotation flaps were used to cover the skin defect. Ventilatory support by volume respirator, was required for three to four days. In all patients, the chest wall was completeley stable after three to six weeks.     

胸壁肿瘤切除与重建方法探讨

目的探讨胸壁肿瘤切除及胸壁缺损修补重建的方法。方法回顾性分析7例胸壁肿瘤患者的临床资料,其中肋骨分化型软骨肉瘤、肋骨分化型骨肉瘤、肋骨骨巨细胞瘤及肋骨骨旁骨肉瘤各1例,肺癌胸壁转移癌2例,乳腺癌复发胸壁转移1例。行扩大根治切除4例,姑息性切除2例,限制性切除1例。切除肋骨1-3根,胸壁骨性缺损面积（4 cm×15 cm）-（15 cm×15 cm）。胸壁缺损重建6例：用部分膈肌修补加固下胸壁缺损1例,应用钢丝支架并腹壁转移肌皮瓣修补缺损1例,应用M arlex网片修补骨性缺损并同时覆盖周围肌肉瓣4例。1例限制性切除患者仅行拉拢缝合,未行胸壁重建。结果应用双层M arlex网片修补骨性缺损并同时覆盖周围肌肉瓣的3例术后胸壁稳定性满意,限制性切除的1例胸壁外观正常,余3例均出现反常呼吸。术后随访6例,时间5月-6年,4例原发性肋骨肿瘤患者均健在,3例转移癌患者死亡1例,失访1例,健在1例。结论依据胸壁缺损的位置和大小,应用双层聚丙烯网片结合自体肌肉瓣覆盖是修补重建胸壁的可靠方法 。     

Reconstruction of the thoracic wall using a Marlex sandwich. Presentation of a clinical case

The case of a 78-year-old male with a large, firm, not tender mass of the left anterolateral region of the chest is reported. Previously he had been treated with cyproterone acetate for a year, being affected by a locally unresectable prostate carcinoma. At CT-scan of the chest mass appeared solid, extending to the pleural cavity with compression of the lung and erosion of third to fifth rib. Operation consisted in complete removal of the mass with "en bloc" resection of involved ribs. Chest wall was reconstructed by means of a Marlex mesh sandwich. Histology revealed a carcinoma, probably originating from the breast. The role of antiandrogenic chemotherapy in the development of the tumor and the use of plastic mesh for chest wall defects are discussed.     

Resection of chondrosarcoma of anterior chest wall with pleural dissemination

A 52-year-old woman admitted with difficulty of breathing and had an anterior chest wall tumor. Primary lesion of the chest wall tumor invading the inferior one third of sternum, right third to sixth ribs, a part of the right middle lobe, the pericardium and a part of the diaphragma and small nodules on the parietal pleura were resected, and a diagnosis of chondrosarcoma of the right fifth or sixth rib and pleural dissemination of the tumor was established. The defect of pericardium was repaired with artificial dura mater and the defect of bony chest wall was repaired with a double layer of Marlex mesh. Although the resection was palliative because of pleural dissemination, she is now working as a housewife without difficulty of breathing.     

Chest wall reconstruction using a free rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in a case of recurrence after bilateral breast cancer surgery

A 64 years old woman with anterior chest wall recurrence after bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer was treated by the resection of chest wall in full thickness involving the whole sternum and the anterior part of ribs except the first rib. The thoracic cage was reconstructed using a free rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap which was placed over Marlex mesh covering the defect of chest wall. By means of surgical microscope, inferior epigastric artery and vein of the graft were anastomosed with internal thoracic artery and vein at the neck, respectively. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient is alive and well for one year after the surgery. A free myocutaneous flap method provides enough volume of soft tissue for coverage of a large defect and chest wall stability.     

Intermediate outcome and dynamic computerised tomography after chest wall reconstruction with the STRATOS titanium rib bridge system: video demonstration of preserved bucket-handle rib motion

We report the intermediate clinical outcome following resection of a chest wall sarcoma and layered reconstruction with a deep expanded polytetrafluroethylene patch, four STRATOS titanium rib bridges and an overlying muscle flap. After 21 months there is no evidence of recurrence. The reconstruction remains intact despite trauma sufficient to fracture the ipsilateral scapula and elbow. Exercise capacity, pain control and quality of life are good. We developed a functional computed tomography (CT) algorithm which allowed dynamic imaging. Video images for the first time demonstrate preserved physiological type bucket-handle movement of the ribs in continuity with the rib bridges.     

Anterior chest wall reconstruction with titanium plate sandwiched between two polypropylene sheets

Extensive sternal resection carries the risk of difficult reconstruction and surgical complications. A 79-year-old woman underwent sternal resection and reconstruction for sternal chondrosarcoma. However, 18?months after the first operation, she developed six metastatic tumors on the anterior chest wall. She underwent subtotal sternectomy and rib resection, leaving a defect measuring 17?×?14?cm. Reconstruction of the anterior chest wall using a titanium plate sandwiched between two polypropylene mesh sheets is described. This method is potentially applicable to extensive anterior chest resection, and its advantages compared with conventional prostheses are rigidity, flexibility, and usability.