Large Chest Wall Reconstruction Using Titanium Micromesh and a Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap: Report of a Case

The patient was a 54-year-old woman with a dermatopleural fistula and necrosis of the third to the fifth anterior ribs after postoperative adjuvant radiation for right breast cancer. After resection of the chest wall and combined partial resection of the right upper and middle lobes of the lung, the thoracic cage defect was stabilized by titanium micromesh and the soft tissue defect was covered by an ipsilateral pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. The dorsal skin defect was covered by split-thickness skin grafts 3 weeks later. The advantages of titanium micromesh lie not only in its good biocompatibility and mechanical strength, but also in its light weight and low radiological interference. No paradoxical movement or other prosthesis-related complications occurred during the follow-up period. Thus, we consider that titanium micromesh is a suitable material to use in the reconstruction of a large chest wall defect.     

Operative stabilization of flail chest using a prosthetic mesh and methylmethacrylate

Surgical stabilization of flail chest is a controversial operation, but recent data has shown that selected patients benefit from it. We describe a simple and practical method of operative stabilization of flail chest using a prosthetic mesh and methylmethacrylate anchored to the ribs and sternum. The methylmethacrylate–mesh complex is inexpensive, can be extracted electively as soon as full thoracic stability is achieved, and can be used to stabilize extended chest wall injuries.     

胸壁外科疾病的治疗进展

胸壁外科曾是传统胸外科亚专业学科,具有古老的研究和临床实践历史,近年逐渐走向独立,成为一个崭新专业领域.由于观念发生变化及边缘学科的进步深入了对相关疾病认识,胸壁外科疾病的治疗涌现出新特点.本文从胸壁外科专业角度对胸壁外科所属的5类疾病(胸壁创伤、胸壁畸形、胸壁肿瘤、胸壁感染及胸壁缺损)治疗进展予以综述.     

Intercostal venous hemangioma presenting as a chest wall tumor

Chest wall tumors are uncommon, but intercostal hemangioma is even more so: There have been only a handful of reports on it to date. We report on a 32-year-old man with a left-side chest wall mass detected on a chest roentgenogram and computed tomography scans. The tumor was completely resected by means of video-assisted thoracic surgery. Two years after the surgery, the patient is doing well with no evidence of recurrence.     

Myositis ossificans in the right inferior thoracic wall as an unusual cause of lower thoracic-upper abdominal pain: Report of a case

We report a case of thoracic wall myositis ossificans (MO) located anterior to the ninth rib, causing right lower thoracic-upper abdominal pain. The diagnosis was based on the findings of ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). Numerous disorders can be included in the differential diagnosis of right lower thoracic-upper abdominal pain, so we must first establish if the pain is somatic or visceral in origin. Somatic pain in this region can be caused by traumatic muscle pain, overuse myalgia, costochondritis, or thoracic wall malignancies. Although rare, MO should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain and thoracic wall masses in this region. As the calcifications may not be seen on a plain chest X-ray in the early course of this condition, superficial tissue US or CT should be performed to establish the diagnosis.     

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.     

Use of a biodegradable patch for reconstruction of large thoracic cage defects in growing children

Background/Purpose

At our institution, procedures were developed to enlarge and stabilize the thoracic cavity of children born with severe-enough abnormalities of the thoracic cage as to result in lack of normal lung growth and function. In addition to the device known as the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR), some type of patch material was needed to cover large congenital defects of the chest cage owing to rib absence or to cover defects created because of the expansion process. Initially, synthetic material, polytetrafluorethylene (Gore-Tex, WL Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) was used, but this proved itself to be restrictive over time and required removal. Thus, a nonsynthetic biodegradable patch material was adopted for coverage of the defects (Surgisis, Cook, Bloomington, Ind).

Methods

From October 2001 through October 2004, 26 growing children undergoing thoracic cage reconstruction received the biodegradable extracellular matrix patch derived from porcine SIS (Cook). A patch was deemed necessary if any one of the following conditions was obtained: (a) herniation of the lung was likely; (b) chest wall musculature was significantly diminished; (c) injury to the lung was likely at reoperation; (d) the defect was greater than 2 × 2 cm.

Results

During the follow-up period, 41 months thus far, each of the 26 children has undergone routine, scheduled expansions or change-out procedures every 6 months. The SIS has not required removal for any reason and has not restricted growth of the thoracic cage.

Conclusions

Compared with synthetic soft tissue patch material, the nonsynthetic, biodegradable soft tissue patch (SIS) has proven to be a superior alternative, thus far, to others for use in our population of patients for reconstruction of the thoracic cage in the growing child.     

Video thoracoscopic excision of an intercostal neurilemoma presenting as a lateral chest wall tumor

Thoracoscopic surgery has expanded with advances in endoscopic surgical instrumentation. We report on a 21-year-old woman with a complete thoracoscopic resection of an intercostal neurilemoma, which occurred extrapleurally in the ninth intercostal space of the lateral thoracic wall. The tumor was 70×40×25 mm in size, but a thoracotomy with a rib resection was avoided. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Thoracoscopic resection of an intercostal neurilemoma, presenting as a lateral chest wall tumor, may be a safe and useful approach with an improved cosmetic result.     

Chest wall resection and reconstruction for primary and metastatic sarcomas: an 11-year retrospective cohort study

 Open in a separate windowOBJECTIVESChest wall sarcomas are rare, aggressive malignancies, the management of which mainly revolves around surgery. Radical tumour excision with free margins represents the optimal treatment for loco-regional clinically resectable disease. The objective of this study was to review our 11-year experience with chest wall resection for primary and metastatic sarcomas, focusing on surgical techniques and strategies for reconstruction. METHODSRetrospective analysis of a comprehensive database of patients who underwent chest wall resection for primary or secondary sarcoma at our Institute from January 2009 to December 2019.RESULTSOut of 26 patients, 21 (81%) suffered from primary chest wall sarcoma, while 5 (19%) had recurring disease. The median number of resected ribs was 3. Sternal resection was performed in 6 cases (23%). Prosthetic thoracic reconstruction was deemed necessary in 24 cases (92%). Tumour recurrence was observed in 15 patients (58%). The median overall survival was 73.6 months. Primary and secondary tumours showed comparable survival (P = 0.49). At univariate analysis, disease recurrence and infiltrated margins on pathological specimens were associated with poorer survival (P = 0.014 and 0.022, respectively). In patients with primary sarcoma, the median progression-free survival was 13.3 months. Associated visceral resections were significantly associated to postoperative complications (P = 0.02).CONCLUSIONSChest wall resection followed by prosthetic reconstruction is feasible in carefully selected patients and should be performed by experienced surgeons with the aim of achieving free resection margins, resulting in improved long-term outcomes.     

Chondromyxoid fibroma of the chest wall

A chondromyxoid fibroma of the chest wall is a rare occurrence. A case study of a 40-year-old woman diagnosed with this tumor in the left chest wall is presented. The lesion was removed by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and the final pathology examination confirmed a chondromyxoid fibroma. At present, this patient has continued to visit our outpatient unit regularly and has shown no recurrence during the past 1 year.     

胸壁肿瘤的外科治疗（附57例报告）

胸壁肿瘤以良性居多，但胸骨肿瘤以恶性为主。胸痛和肿块是本病两大征象：Ｘ线胸片是诊断骨性胸壁肿瘤的主要方法；术前经皮穿刺活检可选用于胸壁软组织肺瘤。胸壁广泛切除和胸壁重建术是恶性胸壁肿瘤治疗成功的关键。多孔有机玻璃板是转理想的廉价的胸壁重建材料。对于术后复发者，只要无远处较移，应尽力再次手术切除。     

Wide resection of the upper right hemithorax combined with amputation of the right arm for a recurrent desmoid tumor

A 66-year-old woman had a recurrent desmoid tumor in the right thoracic apex. The tumor infiltrated the brachial plexus and eventually rendered the upper right extremity functionless. The tumor was removed by aggressive wide resection of the right upper hemithorax with simultaneous amputation of the functionless right arm. Reconstruction of the chest wall was accomplished, utilizing the soft tissues of the remnant arm as a pedicled flap to cover the full-thickness defect. Aggressive wide resection of the chest wall with limb amputation is technically challenging but unavoidable in some cases of recurrent desmoid tumor.     

144.Primäre und sekundäre Brustwandtumoren aus der Sicht des Pathologen

Zusammenfassung Bei den knöchernen Brustwandtumoren stehen die fibröse Dysplasie (20%) und Metastasen (16%) vor den Chondrosarkomen (11%) an erster Stelle. Abgesehen von Fettgewebstumoren sind auch thorakale Weichteiltumoren selten. Typische Ausnahmen bilden der Askin- und Abrikosoff-Tumor, das Elastofibroma dorsi sowie die aggressive Fibromatose. Für die histogenetische Klassifizierung von undifferentierten Sarkomen und Brustwandmetastasen, z. B. von Prostatacarcinomen und Mesotheliomen ist eine enge Kooperation von Klinikern und Pathologen ebenso unerlässliche Voraussetzung wie neuere immunhistochemische Untersuchungsverfahren.[/ p]

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Primary and secondary tumors of the chest wall in the view of pathology

Summary Fibrous dysplasia (20%), metastases (16%) and chondrosarcoma (11%) are the most common bone tumors of the chest wall. Except lipoma, primary lesions of the soft tissue of the chest occur rarely as well. The Askin- and Abrikosoff tumor, elastoBbroma dorsi and desmoid can be seen as typical exceptions. With respect to the histogenetic classification of undifferentiated sarcomas and thoracic metastases (f.e. prostatic carcinomas or mesotheliomas) an intimate cooperation of surgeons and pathologists as well as modern immunohistochecmical investigations are required.[/ p]

     

A new alternative for bony chest wall reconstruction using biomaterial artificial rib and pleura: animal experiment and clinical application

Objective: To evaluate a new method for chest wall reconstruction using porcine-derived artificial rib and pleura in an animal experiment. Further, the clinical application was performed in five patients with large defects in the chest wall as a preliminary observation. Methods: In animal experiments, a full-thickness chest wall defect of 7 cm × 8 cm was created in 12 adult mongrel dogs. Six dogs underwent reconstruction with porcine-derived artificial ribs and pleura (test group), and six with methylmethacrylate and double polyester mesh in the form of traditional Marlex sandwich technique (control group). At follow-up of each for 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, a general performance assessment and thoracic radiography were performed. Gross and histopathological examinations were carried out following humane euthanasia at the time of last follow-up. In clinical application, five patients with wide tumor resection in the chest wall underwent reconstruction with porcine-derived artificial ribs and pleura as well. Results: In animal experiment, no perioperative death or hyperpyrexia occurred and no difference in either infection or dyspnea was noted between the two groups. Postoperative radiography revealed good thoracic integrity with no evidence of collapse, deformation, or abnormal movement in the test group. In the control group, similar results were observed, except that two dogs had abnormal movement in the chest wall associated with respiration. Severe adhesions between the ‘sandwich’ complex and the host tissues were identified in the control group, but by contrast, only mild adhesions were noted in the test group. The non-degradable polyester mesh induced fibrous proliferation and rejection, whereas the artificial pleura was absorbed with mild fibrous hyperplasia after 12 months. In clinical application, no thoracic deformity, chronic pain, or respiratory discomfort were observed at 1 or 12 postoperative months. Conclusions: Porcine-derived ribs and pleura can be employed safely to create an artificial chest wall to repair bony chest defects. The clinical results corresponded well with those of animal experiments, and thus confirmed the safety and feasibility of this new alternative of chest wall reconstruction. However, a long-term study in a large number is needed due to the small number of animals in this study.     

Osteosarcoma of the rib: A challenge of diagnosis and surgical intervention: A case report

Introduction and importanceChest wall tumour could grow from various tissues composing the chest wall. Diagnosis and treatment of patients with chest wall tumour pose several challenges.Case presentationWe present a case of 55 year old woman with chief complaint of a painfull mass on her chest wall. Patient was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the ribs. Patient underwent surgery and was hospitalized for seven days before discharged.Clinical discussionOsteosarcoma of the ribs is a rare case with wide resection as the main treatment. In this case, chest wall reconstruction was needed to prevent impaired chest wall mechanical function in respiration.ConclusionDiagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma of the ribs pose challenges. The main treatment of the osteosarcoma of the ribs is wide resection, followed by reconstruction of chest wall when needed. Reconstruction could be performed with autologous tissue, gore-tex, and mesh. The adjuvant chemotherapy was considered to give for better outcome.     

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.     

膨体聚四氟乙烯补片在胸壁重建中的应用

目的分析膨体聚四氟乙烯(Gore-Tex)补片在胸壁重建中的注意事项,总结临床应用经验。方法回顾性分析第二军医大学长海医院2001年1月至2010年l2月期间33例使用Gore-Tex补片进行修复巨大胸壁缺损的临床资料,男19例,女14例;平均年龄45.7(20～73)岁。根据肿瘤位置、大小选择不同的手术切口;术中尽量保留正常的胸壁软组织,骨性胸壁缺损采用Gore-Tex补片进行重建,软组织直接对拢缝合,全层胸壁缺损采用转移肌皮瓣覆盖创面。结果全组33例均手术顺利,围术期无死亡患者;恶性肿瘤25例,良性肿瘤8例,均被完整切除,切除瘤体直径8～20 cm。随访5～60个月,失访3例(9.09%),无排斥反应及反常呼吸,无异物感,感染率3%(1/33)。结论 Gore-Tex补片具有极佳的生物相容性,是安全有效的胸壁重建材料;选择合适的肌皮瓣覆盖补片,能够减少并发症发生。     

Chondrosarcoma of the chest wall: a clinical analysis

Purpose. To discuss the management of different histological types of chondrosarcoma (CS) in the chest wall based on our clinical experience. Methods. The subjects of this study were 16 patients with CS of the chest wall surgically treated by resection at our institute between September 1981 and August 2000. There were 11 men and 5 women ranging in age from 23 to 74 years. The median follow-up period was 54 months. The tumor was located only in the ribs in ten patients, in the sternum and ribs in three, only in the sternum in two, and in the ribs and spine in one. The surgical margins were wide in 12 patients and marginal in four. Reconstruction using Marlex mesh combined with moldable metal plates was carried out to prevent flail chest in nine patients, resection alone was performed in five patients, and a muscular flap was used in two patients. Results. The survival rate was 86% after a median follow-up period of 54 months. One operative death (6.2%) occurred, and another required temporary tracheostomy. There were no infections in this series. Oncological outcome was clinically related to surgical margins and recurrence. The postoperative respiratory function test result was 10% less than the preoperative one. Conclusion. This series demonstrated that wide resection is the treatment of choice for chest wall CS and that Marlex mesh combined with metallic mouldable plates is a reliable technique for reconstruction. Received: April 3, 2001 / Accepted: November 20, 2001     

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.     

Respiratory insufficiency in a newborn with mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall occupying the thoracic cavity

The authors describe a newborn patient with mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. A massive thoracic tumor was diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging at the 28th week of gestation. She was delivered through cesarean delivery at the 36th gestational week. Respiratory distress because of pulmonary hypoplasia necessitated neonatal intensive care. The tumor extensively involved the left hemithorax including all 12 ribs and the first 10 thoracic vertebrae, resulting in marked deformity of the thorax. At 5 days of age, she underwent the incisional biopsy through a left thoracotomy. Histopathology of biopsy specimens showed multiple components of mesenchymal origin including premature cartilage, bone, and cystic lesions resembling aneurysmal bone cyst. The tumor then showed a rapid overgrowth, but subsequently exhibited a self-limited growth for months, in which her respiratory condition gradually improved to spontaneous breathing without oxygenation support. The present case advocates perinatal preparations for associated pulmonary hypoplasia and conservative management for the neoplasm in fetuses prenatally diagnosed as having this unique pathological entity.