Individualized Reconstruction of Full-thickness Anterior and Anterolateral Chest Wall Defects: A Retrospective Clinical Series
Turkish Journal of Plastic Surgery, cilt.34, sa.4, ss.160-166, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 34 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.4103/tjps.tjps_23_26
- Dergi Adı: Turkish Journal of Plastic Surgery
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.160-166
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Chest wall reconstruction, free flap, full-thickness defect, latissimus dorsi flap, surgical oncology, thoracic surgery
- Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: – Full-thickness chest wall defects, particularly in the anterior and anterolateral regions, present significant reconstructive challenges due to their impact on respiratory mechanics, thoracic stability, and the need for robust soft tissue coverage. While various regional and free flaps are available, optimal flap selection remains case dependent. Methods: – This retrospective study evaluated 9 patients who underwent reconstruction for full-thickness chest wall defects between 2018 and 2023. Patient demographics, defect characteristics, flap type, materials used for skeletal stabilization, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: – A total of 11 reconstructive procedures were performed. Most defects were tumor-related (88.9%), with an average defect size of 270.5 cm². Reconstruction involved pedicled flaps in 7 cases and free flaps in 4, with mesh reinforcement used in 90.9% and plate fixation in 72.7% of procedures. The latissimus dorsi muscle was the most frequently used regional flap. Postoperative complications occurred in 54.5% of procedures, including graft lysis, partial flap necrosis, and one case of flap loss due to cardiac arrest. Conclusion: – Both pedicled and free flaps offer reliable reconstructive options for anterior and anterolateral full-thickness chest wall defects. With careful patient selection and individualized planning, satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes can be achieved.