Combined free vascularized iliac osteocutaneous flap and pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of anterior chest wall full-thickness defect

Large defects of the anterior chest wall lead to gross chest instability that can result in paradoxic respiration. Osteoradionecrosis of the lower sternum and multiple left ribs resulted in a huge, full-thickness defect of the left anterior chest wall in a 67-year-old woman. An iliac osteocutaneous flap (bone segment 3 × 14 cm) was harvested for reconstruction of the bone defect. The skin defect was covered by the skin paddle of the iliac osteocutaneous flap and a contralateral rotational pectoralis major muscle flap. Months postoperatively, the patient was physically active, the chest was stable, and the vascularized iliac bone was incorporated into the recipient bone.     

Recurrent tuberculous abscess in the chest wall; report of a case

A case of recurrent tuberculous abscess in the chest wall which was successfully treated by resection of the rib and transposition with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap is reported. A 70-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for the purpose of receiving tuberculostatic treatment after an operation for tuberculous abscess in the chest wall at another hospital. When he first visited the another hospital, he had complained of a left chest wall tumor and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from the pus. After admission to the hospital, tuberculous abscess recurrenced in the left chest wall 2 months after the operation. We performed resection of the abscess, 5th and 6th ribs, as well as transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap. There have been no signs of recurrence and is followed in the clinic, as of 4 months after the operation. We think that resection of the abscess, ribs, and, transposition of the muscle flap are useful methods for tuberculous abscess in the chest wall.     

A case of giant cell tumor originating from the rib

We have experienced a case of giant cell tumor originating from the rib. A 45-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of a mass in the left chest wall. A tumor shadow was observed in the left side of chest X ray. Chest CT, bone scintigram showed tumor originating from the left 4th rib. The tumor was suspected giant cell tumor of bone by needle biopsy examination. The tumor was completely resected with chest wall surrounding the tumor. The defect of chest wall was reconstructed with Marlex mesh and the Latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The pathological diagnosis was a giant cell tumor of bone. The patient has been well for two years and one month since surgery, with no signs of recurrence.     

Reconstruction of chest wall using myocutaneous flap

Reconstruction of chest wall using myocutaneous flap has been performed in 2 cases. A 72-year-old female referred to our hospital for locally recurrent left breast cancer without any distant metastases. The other patient was a 77-year-old female, having locally recurrent liposarcoma of the left lateral chest wall. Chest wall was resected with wide margin of normal tissue, and myocutaneous flaps of latissimus dorsi were used for reconstruction of skin defect (13 x 8 cm and 14 x 10 cm) in both cases. Although additional split-thickness skin graft was required for one of them, myocutaneous flaps were useful for the reconstruction of widely defected chest wall. By using this technique, wider margin can be obtained, which could decrease the risk for local recurrence of malignant tumor.     

Pedicled superior epigastric perforator flap for reconstruction of a soft tissue defect at the ventral thoracic wall

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method of ventral chest wall reconstruction utilizing skin and fat from the abdominal wall pedicled on the superior epigastric artery and its comitant veins without sacrificing the rectus abdominis muscle. In a patient with a 13 × 15 cm left parasternal soft tissue defect of the thoracic wall, a paraumbilical perforator flap of skin and subcutaneous tissue was elevated with meticulous preparation of the perforators to the right superior epigastric vessels without sacrificing any muscle. The skin and fat island with its vascular pedicle was drawn through an epigastric subcutaneous tunnel to the ventral thorax and placed into the defect. Postoperative flap perfusion measured by laser Doppler flowmetry was excellent, abdominal wall reconstruction was easy, and 3 months after operation, the ability to perform sit-ups was as good as before the operation. In two further patients, we found the vascular anatomy to be unsuitable for this flap. The pedicled superior epigastric perforator (SEP) flap is suitable in certain cases but unreliable for reconstruction of soft tissue defects at the chest wall. Further investigations and operating experience may provide additional knowledge to allow wider and more secure use of the SEP flap.     

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.     

Plastisch-chirurgische Rekonstruktion von Defekten der Thoraxwand nach onkologischen Resektionen

In defect reconstruction following radical oncologic resection of malignant chest wall tumors, adequate soft-tissue reconstruction must be achieved along with function, stability, integrity, and aesthetics of the chest wall. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the oncoplastic concept following radical resection of malignant chest wall infiltration with an interdisciplinary approach. Between 1999 and 2005, 36 consecutive patients (nine males, 27 females, mean age 55 years, range 20-78) were treated with resection for malignant tumors of the chest wall. Indications were locally recurrent breast carcinoma (patient n=22), thymoma (n=1), and desmoid tumor (n=1). Primary lesions of the chest wall were spinalioma (n=1), sarcoma (n=7), and non-small-cell lung cancer (n=2). There were distant metastases of colon and cervical cancer in one patient each. Soft-tissue reconstruction was carried out using primary closure (n=1), external oblique flap (n=1), pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (n=3), latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (n=18), vertical or transversal rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (n=9), free tensor fascia lata- flap (n=6), trapezius flap (n=1), serratus flap (n=1), and one filet flap. In 15 reconstructive procedures microvascular techniques were used. An average of 3.4 ribs were resected. Stability of the chest wall was obtained with synthetic meshes. The latissimus dorsi flap is considered the flap of choice in chest wall reconstruction. However, alternatives such as pectoralis major flap, VRAM/TRAM flap, free TFL flap, and serratus flap must also be considered. Low mortality and morbidity rates allow tumor resection and chest wall reconstruction even in a palliative setting.     

Internal mammary artery perforator propeller flap for contralateral mastectomy defect: A case report

The internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap can be used as either loco‐regional or free flap, and provides thin flexible coverage for defects of the chest wall and cervical regions. In this report, we present a bilateral mastectomy case in which the left mastectomy defect was closed with an IMAP propeller flap harvested from the right breast. Our patient with a history of left breast conservation therapy was diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma in her left breast 14 years later. On physical examination, the patient's left breast displayed the stigmata of radiotherapy including dark discoloration and firmness to palpation, compared to contralateral pendulous breast. After bilateral mastectomy, an IMAP flap with a size of 26 cm × 11 cm was harvested from right chest and was transposed 180 degrees clockwise in a propeller fashion to the left mastectomy defect without any tension. The flap survived without any complication and the patient was free of recurrence or metastases during the follow‐up of 18 months. The patient was satisfied with the outcome. IMAP propeller flap could be harvested safely to the anterior axillary fold in the subcutaneous fat plane. It may provide a large skin paddle especially in large breasted women. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:507–510, 2016.     

An innovative technique of chest wall stabilization and reconstruction in traumatic flail chest: The figure-of-eight suture with polypropylene mesh and musculofascial flap

Surgical stabilization of the flail chest is challenging and has no established guidelines. Chest wall integrity and stability are the main factors that ensure the protection of intrathoracic organs and an adequate respiratory function. Here, we report a novel chest wall reconstruction technique in a 45-year-old man with a traumatic left flail chest and open pneumothorax diagnosed both clinically and radiographically. Rib approximation and chest wall reconstruction was done using intercostal figure-of-eight suture and polypropylene mesh with vascularized musculofascial flap. The patient improved gradually and was discharged after three weeks of total hospital stay. He returned to regular working after a month with no evidence of respiratory distress or paradoxical chest movement. Follow-up visit at one year revealed no lung hernia or paradoxical chest movement. This is a novel, feasible and cost-effective modification of chest wall reconstruction that can be adopted for thoracic wall repair in case of open flail chest, which needs emergency surgical interventions even in resource constraint settings.     

胸腹壁随意皮瓣联合腹直肌肌瓣修复胸壁缺损

目的探讨胸腹壁随意皮瓣联合腹直肌肌瓣移位修复胸壁缺损的临床应用价值。方法2002年1月～2005年6月,对5例胸壁缺损患者行胸腹壁随意皮瓣联合腹直肌肌瓣移位修复术。其中胸骨骨髓炎术后、胸骨肿瘤刮除术后、胸骨结核病灶清除术后各1例,心脏手术术后2例;均因感染致胸骨及内置物外露,病程6个月～2年。先行病灶清除,视创面大小设计切取15cm×10cm的胸腹壁随意皮瓣,然后切取腹直肌肌瓣移位修复胸壁缺损。结果术后4例皮瓣期愈合,1例皮瓣延期愈合,无并发症。皮瓣外观良好,无臃肿及色素沉着,X线片显示胸骨死骨阴影消失。随访1～3年,平均1年6个月,无复发。腹部供区皮肤愈合良好,无腹壁疝发生。结论胸腹壁随意皮瓣联合腹直肌肌瓣移位修复术是治疗胸骨体周围胸壁缺损的一种简单、有效方法,值得推广应用。     

Reconstruction methods of anterior chest wall resection--comparison between acrylic resins and myocutaneous flaps

A total of 32 patients were treated by chest wall resection for primary and recurrent breast cancer or other malignant tumors of the chest wall. Reconstruction of the anterior chest wall was conducted using either acrylic resin plate or myocutaneous flap. Although acrylic resin plate proved to be satisfactory for maintaining stability of the chest wall and protecting important organs in the anterior mediastinum, some patients developed foreign body reactions including local infections, local retention of serous discharge and slight anterior chest pain during a prolonged observation. Reconstruction with myocutaneous flap achieved acceptable stability and caused no such foreign body reactions. We confirmed that myocutaneous flap was the best way to reconstruct the anterior chest wall after full thickness chest wall resection.     

Radiation-induced squamous cell carcinoma of the chest wall seven years after adjuvant radiotherapy following the surgery of breast cancer: a case report

A 54-year-old woman, who had underwent an adjuvant radiotherapy following the modified radical mastectomy in the left primary breast cancer in June 1988. She underwent second surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (electronic radiotherapy) for recurrent breast cancer in the major pectoral muscle and received chemoimmunotherapy in May 1989. In May 1996 she complained of two ulcers of the chest wall. The ulcer biopsy findings was squamous cell carcinoma, and we diagnosed she fell the radiation-induced skin cancer. She underwent chest wall resection and reconstruction with vertical rectal abdominal musculocutaneous flap (VRAM). However two months later her chest wall resection, she again got the recurrent squamous cell carcinoma in the right axillary lymph nodes and left pleura. The third radiotherapy and the chemotherapy with pepleomycin were uneffective on her recurrent cancer. And she died in March 1997.     

修复上胸壁巨大肿瘤切除后缺损一例的早期效果

目的应用钛网、重建钢板及背阔肌带蒂肌皮瓣,修复上胸壁乳腺肉瘤样癌切除后巨大缺损1例,观察术后早期效果。方法于2006年2月收治1例56岁女性上胸壁乳腺肉瘤样癌患者,行肿瘤切除后缺损约20cm×15cm,钛网覆盖胸壁缺损,重建钢板连接双侧锁骨残端,右侧背阔肌带蒂肌皮瓣约20cm×15cm移位修复软组织缺损。结果患者术后3d脱呼吸机,反常呼吸较明显。2周皮瓣血运稳定后,用胸带固定胸廓,反常呼吸渐消失,皮瓣血供良好。复查胸片,钛网及重建钢板位置良好。术后1个月转入肿瘤科化疗。随访3个月,局部及全身无不适;双肩活动度前屈90°,外展90°;肿瘤未见复发。结论胸壁巨大缺损重建时应选择质地较硬的材料,重建钢板维持双侧锁骨的解剖位置,肩关节功能恢复好,背阔肌带蒂肌皮瓣可适当扩大切取。     

Protection and expanded use of the left internal mammary artery graft by pericardial flap technique

A pericardial flap can protect and enhance the use of the left internal mammary artery. The left free edge of the pericardium is sutured to the anterior chest wall, which protects the left internal mammary artery graft from lung encroachment and provides a more direct course. In our large experience, including several reoperations, no internal mammary artery was injured.     

Internal mammary artery perforator flap for reconstruction of the chest wall

Abstract

We used internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flaps from the opposite side for reconstruction of small-to-medium-sized defects in the chest wall. The IMAP flaps were used in two patients who had unhealed, localised ulcers of the chest wall with exposure of the ribs after radical mastectomy. The lesion was excised widely, and the flap, based on a perforator vessel in the second or third intercostal space of the opposite chest wall, was raised. The flap was rotated from 90° to 180° along the vascular axis to the chest wall defect. The donor site was closed primarily. Both flaps showed stable postoperative circulation and survived completely. Defects of the chest wall could be covered with healthy, well-vascularised tissue on one perforator without deep infection. The IMAP flap is a reliable and less invasive option to be considered for medial, localised, reconstruction of the chest wall.     

A rare case of chest wall reconstruction in a child

IntroductionEwing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumour (ES/PNET) is the most common malignant tumour of the chest wall in children and young adults. Chest wall defect left after complete resection of the involved ribs and chest wall defect requiring reconstruction, is surgically challenging for cosmetic as well as for functional purposes especially in growing children.ImportanceA rare but feasible and simple technique for a case of chest wall tumour reconstruction has been described here with its successful outcome with available composite muscular vascularised flap.     

可扩张乳房假体加背阔肌肌皮瓣的乳房再造术

目的：报告应用带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣转移术及可扩张的乳房假体（BECKER）置入,修复乳腺癌根治术后的胸壁畸形,同时再造乳房的手术方法。方法：根据乳腺癌病灶清除术后患者胸部的畸形状况,设计患侧带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣的肌瓣长度、体积以及皮瓣的面积和形状,切取肌皮瓣后经腋部皮下隧道转移至胸前。用肌瓣修复胸前软组织缺损,皮瓣则用于弥补胸部皮肤的不足。肌瓣与胸壁间置入可扩张的乳房假体。术后经注射壶注水,逐步扩张至额定值。6个月后,可抽除注射壶并重建乳头,完成治疗。结果：自1999年以来,对各种乳腺癌术后患者行乳房再造术共26例,获得了满意效果。结论：应用带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣转移术及可扩张的乳房假体置入,不仅可修复乳腺癌病灶清除术后的胸部软组织的缺损、锁骨下的凹陷畸形而且可重建乳房。该法具有创伤小、恢复快、再造乳房的外形及质感逼真等特点。     

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma of the chest wall: reconstruction with polypropylene mesh using a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap

We report a case of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma of the chest wall. After resection, the chest wall defect was reconstructed using polypropylene mesh and a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. A 61-year-old woman presented with a 16-year history of a slow-growing mass underneath the right chest wall. After percutaneous biopsy, preoperative cytopathological examination of the large mass revealed dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. The tumor was resected with a wide margin along with the chest wall including skin, the right seventh to tenth ribs, and part of the diaphragm. The chest wall defect was reconstructed with a polypropylene (Marlex) mesh sheet followed by a left-side transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.     

Subscapularis muscle flap for reconstruction of posterior chest wall skeletal defect

IntroductionChest wall skeletal defects are usually closed using muscle flaps or prosthetic materials. Postoperative prosthetic infections are critical complications and often require plastic surgery support. We report a new surgical technique, involving a subscapular muscle flap, for covering posterior chest wall defect.Presentation of caseA 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital. We performed a right upper lobectomy with posterior chest wall resection between the third and sixth ribs. The resulting chest wall defect was covered with a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh that became infected postoperatively. We removed the infected mesh and used the subscapularis muscle, the nearest muscle to the defect, to cover the chest wall defect. The scapular tip was lifted and the lower half of the muscle was dissected. The free end of the flap was sutured to the stumps of the anterior serratus and rhomboid major muscles. Computed tomography, 1 month later, revealed that the flap was engrafted to the chest wall.DiscussionNo previous study has reported the use of a subscapularis muscle flap for chest wall reconstruction. The lower third of the scapula was excised since blood supply to the scapula tip may be reduced after dissection of the subscapularis muscle, and to prevent the scapula tip from falling into the thoracic cavity.ConclusionThe use of a subscapularis muscle flap to repair chest wall defect is a simple and safe technique that can be conducted in the same surgical field as the initial reconstruction surgery and does not require plastic surgery support.     

Extended resection of a chest wall desmoid tumour with concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting.

We report on the resection of a large desmoid tumour of the anterior chest wall in a 65-year-old male patient. The patient had a coronary artery bypass operation 2 years prior to the first detection of a tumour. Because the left internal mammary artery bypass to the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was embedded in the tumour mass, it had to be resected together with the tumour. A saphenous vein aorto-coronary bypass to the LAD with an off-pump technique was then performed, and the chest was reconstructed with polypropylene mesh and a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.