Intra- and Extra-Thoracic Muscle Flaps and Chest Wall Reconstruction Following Resection of Thoracic Tumors

Abstract

Improvements in surgical technique over the last decade enable surgeons to perform extensive resection and reconstruction in patients presenting with tumors involving the soft tissue or bony structures of the chest wall. The type of surgical resection and its size, depend on the type of tumor resected and its location. In addition to providing a better esthetic result, the reconstruction restores support and functionality of the thoracic cage. The approach to chest wall repair includes primary closure or reconstruction by using transposition flaps, free flaps, prosthetic material, or a mixture of a flap and prosthetic material.