Sternal resection for metastasis from thyroid carcinoma and reconstruction with the sandwiched marlex and stainless steel mesh

A case of 69-year-old woman with a solitary sternal bone metastasis from thyroid carcinoma undergoing surgical therapy was reported here. On admission, most part of the body of the sternum was destroyed by tumor. Subtotal sternectomy was performed and a part of the major pectoral muscles adherent to the sternal tumor was also resected. The chest wall defect was reconstructed with a sandwiched Marlex and stainless steel mesh. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Her postoperative course was uneventful. The reconstruction with Marlex and stainless steel mesh seemed to be an appropriate procedure to prevent paradoxical movement of the thorax and protect the intrathoracic organs. Stainless steel mesh compensated for limited resiliency of Marlex mesh and remained rigid in all directions.     

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.     

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.     

An experimental study of successful tracheal replacement using pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap and soft Marlex mesh

The present experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of combined latissimus dorsi muscle flap and soft Marlex mesh in the reconstruction of the trachea. Thirty-one mongrel dogs underwent a two-stage operation. In the first stage operation, they were divided into four groups for implanting a different prosthesis. A silicone rod was used as the core and this was rolled with soft Marlex mesh to make a prosthesis (Group A and B: without reinforce, Group C: reinforced by wrapping stainless steel mesh, Group D: reinforced with helical stain steel wire). The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was rolled circumferentially around the prosthesis and it was left in place for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. In the second stage operation, the long pedicled muscle flap with the biologically organized prosthesis was mobilized to be guided into the cervix, and the tracheal reconstruction was done with them following circumferential tracheal resection. In result, five of six dogs of group D survived more than 6 months after the replacement without anastomotic leakage or stenosis causing inflammatory granulation. Organization with neo-vascularity of the prosthesis at the time of the tracheal reconstruction was important firstly to avoid incurring complications concerning anastomosis and secondly for long-term stability of the healing and epithelialization of the prosthesis.     

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 anterior chest wall defect with ceramic bone grafts--a case of localized malignant mesothelioma

The reconstruction of an anterior chest wall defect was performed on a 61-year-old male after resecting a localized malignant mesothelioma. The tumor was resected with body of the sternum, the anterior portion of the bilateral second, third and fourth ribs, muscles, subcutaneous tissue and skin. The defect was 12.5 cm x 9.5 cm in size. The reconstruction of the defect was made with Marlex mesh, two ceramic bone grafts and a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. Double Marlex mesh was sewn under the edges of the ribs and the intercostal muscles of the defect by interrupted sutures. In order to fit the ceramic bone graft to the defect transversely, two pieces of ceramic bones (Iliac crest spacers) were selected from various sizes. They were connected by a stainless steel wire through the holes which were originally made at the edge for fixation, and the connected portion was covered with methyl methacrylate. Two ceramic bone grafts were fixed to each of the stumps of the bilateral third and fourth ribs by monofilament threads. A musculocutaneous pedicle flap made from the right latissimus dorsi covered the operative filed. There were no postoperative wound infection and no extrusion of the prostheses seven months after the operation.     

Reconstruction of sternal and abdominal wall defects in a case of desmoid tumor.

A case of desmoid tumor of the anterior chest and abdominal wall is presented. The entire body of the sternum along with the upper abdominal wall and inner parts of both breasts was resected. The resulting defect over the pericardium and abdomen was reconstructed by the omentum and Marlex mesh. The large skin defect was covered by bilateral thoracoabdominal tube pedicles. The patient had a stable chest wall with uncompromised respiratory function 1 week after the operation. Prevention of local recurrences of desmoid tumors requires wide excision of the involved soft tissues and bony structures. The principles of wide resection of soft tissue tumors, reconstruction of the anterior chest and abdominal wall defects, and planning the skin coverage over the resulting defect are discussed.     

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.     

Hemilaryngeal reconstruction using an axial island cheek flap supported by Marlex and stainless steel wire mesh

The defect that remains after an extended hemilaryngectomy continues to be a challenge to the reconstructing surgeon. The reconstruction ideally must provide airway protection against aspiration, allow for phonation, and provide a durable mucosal surface. It also must be accomplished in one stage. Nine Labrador dogs underwent successful reconstruction of the hemilarynx using an axial island cheek flap based on the facial artery and vein. Adequate laryngeal function was demonstrated by maintenance of body weight, normal barium swallows, return of strong bark, and no evidence of aspiration pneumonia. Pathologic review confirmed a viable mucosal surface and incorporation of the Marlex and stainless steel wire mesh in a fibrous reaction. We have concluded that this method of reconstruction provides a result superior to currently used techniques.     

A method for reconstruction of large full-thickness defects of the bony thorax

Wide resection in 12 cases of malignant or potentially malignant lesions of the chest wall resulted in full-thickness loss of skeleton and frequently of overlying soft tissues (defect greater than or equal to 15 cm in its smallest diameter or at least 90% of the sternum resected). In reconstruction of the defect, steel bars were used to replace lost ribs and a double layer of Marlex mesh for intercostal spaces. Soft-tissue coverage and primary closure were accomplished with current plastic surgical procedures and good stability of the chest wall was achieved. Protracted respiratory support was required in only one case. Postoperative pain was managed with epidural anesthesia and routine analgesics. Functionally and cosmetically satisfactory long-term results were obtained, with no infection and no need for removal of prosthetic material. The overall 5-year and 10-year actuarial survival rates were 60% and 37.5%. If lesions are radically resectable, the extent of thoracic wall resection need not be restricted because of inability to close the defects.     

Marlex mesh for repair of abdominal wall defects.

The best synthetic material available for repair of abdominal wall defects associated with an insufficiency of tissue is Marlex mesh. Among 14 patients with large hernias and 3 who underwent tumour resection only 2 manifested recurrence of the defect. In three of these patients infection developed, but its control made it unnecessary to remove the Marlex. In another three with gross infection of the abdominal wall, Marlex was used successfully to provide abdominal wall closure.     

Diaphragm reconstruction combined with thoraco-abdominal wall reconstruction after tumor resection

Background: Thoraco-abdominal wall resection including diaphragm resection results in a challenging surgical defect. Various methods have been used for diaphragm reconstruction. The aim of this study was to describe our methods of diaphragm and thoraco-abdominal wall reconstruction after combined resection of these anatomical structures.

Methods: Twenty-one patients underwent diaphragm resection at our institution between 1997 and 2015. We used a mesh or direct closure for diaphragm defect and a mesh for chest wall stabilization. A pedicled or free flap for soft tissue coverage was used when direct closure was not possible.

Results: Indications for resection were primary sarcoma (n?=?14), cancer metastasis (n?=?4), desmoid tumor (n?=?2), and solitary fibrous tumor (n?=?1). The median patient age was 58.9 years. The diaphragm was pulled to its original position and sutured directly (n?=?15) or reconstructed with mesh (n?=?6). Chest wall reconstructions were performed with a mesh (n?=?14), mesh and a pedicled flap (n?=?4), mesh and a free flap (n?=?3). No perioperative mortality occurred. One-year and 5-year survival rates were 85.7 and 65.9%, respectively, while overall recurrence-free rates were 80.4 and 60.8%, respectively.

Conclusions: We have described our surgical methods for the resection of tumors of the chest or abdominal wall, including our method of distal diaphragm resection with wide or clear surgical margins. The method is safe and the reconstructions provided adequate stability, as well as water-tight and air-tight closure of the chest cavity. There were no cases of paradoxical movement of the chest or of diaphragm or thoraco-abdominal hernia.     

Completely wide resection of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the chest wall; expect for long survival.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) rarely occurs in the chest wall. A case of MFH originating from the chest wall is herein reported. We performed radical en-block resection of the whole chest wall together with the tumor and reconstructed it with Marlex mesh. There was no recurrence 4 years after operation. We consider radical en-block resection for MFH and reconstruction with Marlex mesh a safe operation and may provide a long-term survival.     

Clostridial myonecrosis of the abdominal wall. Resection and prosthetic replacement

A case of extensive clostridial myonecrosis of the anterior abdominal wall is described in an elderly patient after anterior resection of the sigmoid colon. After extensive resection of the abdominal wall, the defect was bridged by omentum and reinforced with Marlex mesh. Mesh skin grafts were applied to the granulation tissue which formed rapidly from the underlying omentum. This prosthetic abdominal wall proved to be durable despite subsequent reoperation for recurrent carcinoma.     

Thoracoplasty with marlex mesh following total resection of sternum: a case of chondrosarcoma of sternum.

Removal of the whole sternum for malignant tumor results in a large defect, causing a severe deformity and possible paradoxial movement of the chest wall. Many of thoracoplasty cases after total sternectomy require considerably complicated invasion. Recently, we performed on a patient with chondrosarcoma of the sternum total resection of the sternum including bilateral costal cartilage followed by thoracic reconstruction with polyethylene hard mesh (heavy Marlex mesh). In the present paper, we make a report of the case of thoracoplasty reliable to perform which has produced immediate chest wall stability without postoperative thoracic deformation. Postoperative CT confirmed that the mesh is well infiltrated with fibrous granulation tissue which connected chest muscle. Impairment of respiratory function after the operation is not observed.     

Outcomes of major musculoskeletal oncological reconstructions using prolene mesh-a retrospective analysis from a tertiary referral centre

BackgroundAdequate reconstruction of the soft tissue defect following resection of bone tumors is challenging. Prolene mesh, despite being a useful tool, is not widely used due to the fear of deep infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome and complications of using a Prolene mesh in oncological reconstructions.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in bone tumor patients with soft tissue reconstruction using Prolene mesh between January 2017 and June 2019. Functional evaluation was done using MSTS 93 score. Complications were recorded and were classified as mechanical (dislocation and extension lag) or biological failure (wound problems and deep infection). Comparison was performed between groups with and without biological failure to identify predictive variables.ResultsOf 116 patients, 68 were males and 48 were females, with median age of 22.5 years. Thirty nine patients had tumors of proximal tibia, 23 of proximal femur, 25 of proximal humerus, 24 of pelvis, and five tumors at other sites. Approximately two-thirds (62.9%) of our patients underwent endoprosthetic reconstruction while the rest underwent either biological or cement spacer reconstructions. Excellent or good functional outcomes were reported in 98.3% patients as per MSTS 93 scoring. Complications were noted in 22 patients (18.9%), of which 16 had biological failure, with four patients requiring debridement and mesh removal. Dislocation of prosthesis occurred in 2 patients of proximal femur replacement. Overall re-surgery rate was 5.1% (6 patients). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with or without biological failure with respect to demographics, site of tumor, type of procedure, blood loss, duration of surgery and history of chemotherapy.ConclusionProlene mesh is a useful tool to reconstruct the soft tissue defects following bone tumor resections. It is readily available, reliable and provides reproducible results, with no added risk of wound complications.     

Surgical treatment of sternal metastases from thyroid carcinoma: report of two cases

Radioiodine therapy is currently the treatment of choice for metastasizing differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC); however, skeletal metastases are resistant to this form of therapy. The surgical removal of distant metastases from DTC offers the best chance for prolonged survival and improved quality of life. Furthermore, the surgical removal of a resectable skeletal metastasis can be a valuable complement to radioiodine therapy. This report describes two cases of sternal metastases from thyroid carcinoma that were managed successfully by surgery involving partial excision of the sternum followed by reconstruction of the chest wall with Marlex mesh. Both patients recovered uneventfully. Sternal resection with Marlex mesh reconstruction of the chest wall defect proved a simple and effective method for managing sternal metastasis. Thus, the surgical resection of distant bony metastases in patients with DTC is recommended as it can be curative, provide symptomatic palliation, or allow for more effective radioiodine treatment. Received: July 3, 2000 / Accepted: March 6, 2001     

Resection of a metastatic sternal carcinoma and reconstruction of the chest wall: a case report

A large metastatic squamous carcinoma of the anterior chest wall was managed by en-bloc resection of the thoracic wall. The extensive defect resulting from the resection was bridged with Marlex mesh superimposed on an omental flap that served as recipient to partial-thickness skin grafts. This composite reconstruction restored an efficient bellows action to the chest cage, manifested by the lack of anterior flailing and postoperative spirometry values, measured at the bedside, that were 75% of those obtained preoperatively. During the initial postoperative period, however, mechanical ventilatory assistance was required to treat an adult respiratory distress syndrome that together with mild anterior flailing made early extubation impossible.     

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.     

Experimental study of patch reconstruction of tracheal defects with Marlex mesh]

Animal experiments of the patch reconstruction of tracheal defects using Marlex mesh were performed on 41 mongrel and beagle dogs. They were consisted of four groups. In group I, cervical tracheal defects were reconstructed with simple Marlex mesh patches. In group II, cervical tracheal defects were reconstructed with Marlex mesh patches which were reinforced by three polyacetal-resin half rings. In group III, thoracic tracheal defects were reconstructed with Marlex mesh patches which were reinforced by half rings, and were covered with omental pedicle flaps. In group IV, a pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap was prepared, and the inner side of Marlex mesh was covered by anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis and the external surface of the mesh was reinforced by rings and rectus muscle. Accordingly, in this group, thoracic tracheal defects were reconstructed by this combined Marlex mesh and pedicled muscle flap. In group I, Marlex mesh patches protruded into the tracheal lumen a large number of cases. On the contrary, in group II, in which meshes were reinforced by half rings, no protrusion of Marlex mesh patches was recognized. But granulation and abscess formation was observed in a large number of this group. In group III (omentopexy group), in spite of few granulation and abscess formation, complete epithelialization were obtained in only three of twelve dogs. In group IV (muscle flap group), few granulation and abscess formation was observed, and complete epithelialization were obtained in seven of twelve dogs. In conclusion, 1: Reinforcement of Marlex mesh by polyacetal-resin half rings was effective to maintain the tracheal lumen. 2: Using of omental pedicle flap or rectus abdominis muscle flap was effective to prevent the abscess and granulation formation. 3: Use of rectus abdominis muscle flap resulted in good epithelialization. 4: The inner surface of patches was covered with the flattened epithelium 2-3 months after surgery, and then covered with ciliated cells almost completely except central area of patches 6-12 months after surgery. The reconstruction of tracheal defect with combined Marlex mesh and rectus abdominis muscle flap may be ready for clinical use, however further investigation is necessary to develop tubular reconstruction of trachea in future.