Surgical treatment of primary malignant chest wall tumours

A novel approach to thoracic wall reconstruction based on a muscle perforator

When reconstructing the thoracic wall, non-adaptation of the suture line is a critical concern, especially when artificial implants are used. Therefore, a reliable and safe flap is required. Based on an anatomical study of cadavers, we decided to dissect the pectoralis major musculo-cutaneous flap into two parts, on the surface and beneath the muscle fascia, while preserving the muscle perforators. We designated the skin portion as the V-Y advancement flap or rotation V-Y advancement flap and the muscle flap as the transposition flap. Both flaps had different suture lines. We applied this method to two patients requiring reconstruction of anterior thoracic defects with artificial implants. One patient did not have adverse effects, and the flaps took well. The shape of the breast did not change significantly. However, the other patient was a heavy smoker. Although the V-Y advancement flap took well, the cutaneous triangular tip made at the time of tumour resection became necrotic. However, the underlying pectoralis major muscles successfully covered the implants and did not show any signs of infection. In conclusion, reconstruction of the anterior thoracic wall to change the suture line with a V-Y advancement flap, based on the muscle perforator and pectoralis major muscle flap, is a useful and reliable method, especially when an artificial implant is used.

Complications in wound healing after chest wall resection in cancer patients; a multivariate analysis of 220 patients

BACKGROUND

Extensive chest wall resections can provoke a wide variety of complications, in particular, complicated wound healing. A lower complication rate will be achieved when local factors contributing to wound healing can be identified and improved. The aim of this study is to describe these factors, irrespective of prognosis, survival, or systemic complications.

METHODS

Retrospectively, the files of all patients undergoing an extended chest wall resection in a single institute during a 20-year period were retrieved. Patient demographics, use of preoperative therapy, tumor histology, the type of prosthesis (if any), and postoperative wound complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify factors contributing significantly to wound healing problems.

RESULTS

From January 1987 to December 2006, 220 patients underwent a chest wall resection, defined as resection of at least one rib, and/or part of the sternum. In 145 patients (66%) this procedure was uneventful. Multivariate analysis showed that ulceration of tumor and the use of omentum for soft tissue reconstruction comprised independent factors contributing to impaired wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Several factors leading to wound healing problems exist preoperatively. In a multidisciplinary setting, these factors should be weighed carefully against the possible benefits of an extended chest wall resection. Especially when ulceration of a tumor exists, or when omentum is considered for soft tissue reconstruction, increased risk on wound healing problems occurs. For the majority of patients chest wall resection will remain a safe and suitable procedure.

[Plastic surgical reconstruction of extensive thoracic wall defects after oncologic resection]

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.

Surgical treatment is decisive for outcome in chondrosarcoma of the chest wall: a population-based Scandinavian Sarcoma Group study of 106 patients

OBJECTIVES

Chondrosarcoma of the chest wall is the most frequent primary malignant chest wall tumor. Surgery remains the only effective treatment. Sarcoma treatment in Sweden is centralized to sarcoma centers; however, sarcomas of the chest wall have also been handled by thoracic and general surgeons.

METHODS

One hundred six consecutive reports of chondrosarcomas of the rib and sternum over a 22-year period (1980 to 2002) were studied, with a median of 9 (4 to 23) years of follow-up for survivors. Clinical files were gathered and pathologic specimens reviewed and graded 1 to 4 by the Scandinavian sarcoma pathology group. Surgical margins were defined as wide, marginal, or intralesional.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients were treated with a curative intent. Patients operated with wide surgical margins had a 10-year survival of 92% compared with 47% for those with intralesional resections. The 10-year survival was 75% for patients treated at sarcoma centers and 59% for those treated by thoracic or general surgeons. Local recurrence rate was highly dependent of the surgical margins-4% after wide resections and 73% after intralesional resections. The proportion of intralesional resections was higher outside sarcoma centers. Prognostic factors (multivariate analysis) for local recurrence included surgical margin and histological grade; for metastases, prognostic factors included histologic grade, tumor size, and local recurrence. Metastases occurred in 21 of the patients and only 2 were cured.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients operated with wide surgical margins resulted in fewer local recurrences and better overall survival. Patients with chest wall tumors should be referred to sarcoma centers and not to general thoracic surgery clinics for diagnosis and treatment.

Outcome after surgical resections of recurrent chest wall sarcomas

PURPOSE

Sarcomas of the chest wall are rare, and wide surgical resection is generally the cornerstone of treatment. The objective of our study was to evaluate outcome of full-thickness resections of recurrent and primary chest wall sarcomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To evaluate morbidity, mortality, and overall and disease-free survival after surgical resection of primary and recurrent chest wall sarcomas, we performed a retrospective review of all patients with sarcomas of the chest wall surgically treated at two tertiary oncologic referral centers between January 1980 and December 2006. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics, as well as the follow-up of these patients, were retrieved from the patients' original records.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven patients were included in this study, 83 patients with a primary sarcoma and 44 patients with a recurrence. Age, sex, tumor size, histologic type, grade and localization on the chest wall were similar for both groups. Fewer neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies were used in the treatment of recurrences. Chest wall resection was more extensive in the recurrent group, which did not result in more complications (23%) or more reinterventions (5%). Microscopically radical resection was achieved in 80% of the primary sarcomas and 64% of the recurrences. With a median follow-up of 73 months, disease-free survival after surgery for recurrences was 18 months versus 36 months for primary sarcomas, with 5-year survival rates of 50% and 63%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although chances for local control are lower after surgical treatment of recurrent chest wall sarcoma, chest wall resection is a safe and effective procedure, with an acceptable survival.

Surgical treatment of chondrosarcoma of the sternum

Purpose: We reviewed all tumours of the sternum referred to The London Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service between 1956 and 1997 inclusive.

Patients and results: There were eight patients with this pathology, the male to female ratio was 3:1 and their mean age was 53 years. Of these patients, three are alive and disease free, one is alive with recurrence, and four have died, two of the consequences of the disease and two of unrelated causes. Surgery is the principal treatment of these tumours both for excision and subsequent reconstruction.

Discussion: Extended disease-free survival is possible with correct diagnosis, complete excision at the first operation, appropriate skeletal reconstruction, adequate skin cover and appropriate postoperative support and follow-up.

Radical resection of giant chondrosarcoma of the anterior chest wall

Background. Chondrosarcomas represent approximately 30% of primary malignant bone tumors, the most frequent of which is on anterior thoracic wall. Case report. We presented a case of 50-year-old man suffering from a slowgrowing, painless giant chondrosarcoma of the anterior chest wall. A wide resection was performed to excise the tumor including attached skin, right breast, ribs, sternum, soft tissues and parietal pleura. Mediastinum was not affected by the tumor. After resecting a 26 ? 20 ? 22 cm segment, the chest wall defect was reconstructed with a Marlex mesh and extensive latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap pedicled on the right thoracodorsal vessels. Histopatology diagnosis was chondrosarcoma G 2?3. The mechanics of ventilation was not altered and respiratory function was normal from the immediate postoperative period. Three years after the operation postoperative results showed no local recurrence and excellent functional and aesthetic results were evident. Respiratory function remained unaltered. Conclusion. According to the results it can be concluded that the use of Marlex mash and myocutaneous flap is good method for stabilization of the chest wall and enough to avoid paradoxical respiratory movements in managing giant chondrosarcoma of the anterior chest wall.

Ultrasonography is superior to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in determining superficial resection margins of malignant chest wall tumors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze results obtained in 22 patients affected by malignant high-grade chest wall tumors evaluated preoperatively by ultrasonography as well as other imaging techniques.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with chest wall high-grade sarcomas routinely underwent computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, total body scintigraphy, and ultrasonography. Ultrasonography was always performed by the same person using an ultrasonography system with a 5- to 13-MHz probe and with color Doppler evaluation of the lesion. Scans were done with the patient positioned as during surgery. Tumor lateral margins were identified, and a line was marked at 4 cm. In 8 patients with local recurrence, the presence of micronodules was also studied. Results of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography were compared with the surgical specimens.

RESULTS

Histologically, all surgical specimens excised according to ultrasonographic margins showed wide margins. Ultrasonography showed micronodules in 6 of 8 patients with local recurrence; histologically, they were all identified as sarcoma nodules. Ultrasonography failed in particular with cervical-mediastinal vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that ultrasonography is feasible and reliable in the study of superficial margins and for detection of micronodules of less than 0.5 cm in diameter.

Chest wall and sternal resection and reconstruction

Chest wall resection is performed for a variety of conditions and has been a complex problem in the past due to intraoperative technical difficulties, surgical complications, and respiratory failure. Advances in the fields of surgery and anaesthesia and the team effort of the involved thoracic and plastic surgeons result in more aggressive resections with good results. The surgical technique of sternal excision and reconstruction with a Marlex methacrylate composite prosthesis as a part of chest wall resection and reconstruction series is described here in this chapter.

Management of primary chest wall tumors: 14 years' clinical experience

BACKGROUND

Primary chest wall tumor is rare but it encompasses tumors of various origins. We analyzed our experience with primary chest wall tumors with emphasis on its demographic presentation and management.

METHODS

From 1991 to 2004, 62 patients with the diagnosis of primary chest wall tumors were enrolled. Lipoma, chest wall metastasis, direct invasion from nearby malignancy, infection, and inflammation of chest wall were excluded. The clinical features, management, and the outcome of these patients were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 37 males and 25 females. Malignant and benign tumors were equally distributed. Chondrosarcoma and lymphoma were the 2 most common types of malignant chest wall tumors. The most common clinical symptoms were palpable mass (54.8%) and pain (40.3%). Nine of 31 patients (29.0%) with benign chest wall tumors were free of symptoms whereas patients with malignant chest wall tumors were all symptomatic (p = 0.002). A definite diagnosis was obtained in 21 of 26 patients (80.7%) who received nonexcision biopsy. All patients with primary chest wall tumors, except 6 who had medical treatment only, underwent surgical resection. Patients with malignant chest wall tumors were older than those with benign tumors (p < 0.001). The mean largest diameter of tumors was also larger in malignant tumors than in benign tumors (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Patients with primary malignant chest wall neoplasm were older than those with benign tumors. The mean size of malignant tumors was larger than that of benign tumors. Adequate surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for patients with primary chest wall tumors. Nonexcision biopsy should be reserved for patients with a past history of malignancy, suspicion of hematologic disease, and with high operative risk. For patients with isolated chest wall lymphoma, surgical resection followed by chemotherapy can be considered to obtain a better outcome.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Presenting as a Large Chest Wall Mass

BACKGROUND

Malignant lymphoma presenting as a solitary chest wall mass is not frequently seen. Only a few case reports have been found in the English literature. The treatment for primary chest wall lymphoma remains unclear.

METHODS

From 1991 to 2004, of 157 patients with initial presentation of isolated chest wall mass, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was diagnosed in 7 of them. Patients with tumors arising from axillary lymph nodes or mediastinal lymphadenopathy with chest wall extension were excluded in the study. The clinical manifestation, management, and outcome of these patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 1 female and 6 male patients with a mean age of 66.5 years. The mean largest diameter of the mass was 10.3 cm. Four of these 7 patients had the chest wall lymphoma as the only site of disease. The other 3 patients had other organ involvement including lung, bone, or liver. The pathologic diagnoses were malignant lymphoma in 2 patients and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 5 patients. Three patients with chest wall lymphoma as the only site of disease had tumor excision followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. No recurrence or metastasis was noted for these 3 patients. The mean follow-up period was 102 months. The other patient with chest wall lymphoma as the only site of disease, who had chemotherapy as the initial treatment, remained free of disease for 6 months after treatment. The other 3 patients with other organ involvement who were managed with chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy died of disease after a mean survival of 20 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant lymphoma presenting as a large chest wall mass is not common. Although the primary treatment of choice for lymphoma with or without chest wall involvement is chemotherapy, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy can provide satisfactory outcome for some patients in whom the chest wall lymphoma was the only site of disease.

Results of Chest Wall Resection and Reconstruction With and Without Rigid Prosthesis

BACKGROUND

Chest wall resections are associated with significant morbidity, with respiratory failure in as many as 27% of patients. We hypothesized that our selective use of a rigid prosthesis for reconstruction reduces respiratory complications.

METHODS

The records of all patients undergoing chest wall resection and reconstruction were reviewed. Patient demographics, use of preoperative therapy, the location and size of the chest wall defect, performance of lung resection if any, the type of prosthesis, and postoperative complications were recorded. Predictor of complications were identified by chi2 and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

From January 1, 1995, to July 1, 2003, 262 patients (median age, 60 years) underwent chest wall resection for tumor in 251 (96%), radiation necrosis in 7 (2.7%); and infection in 4 patients (1.3%). The median defect size was 80 cm2 (range, 2.7 to 1,200 cm2) and the median number of ribs resected was 3 (range, 1 to 8). Major lung resection was performed in 85 patients (34%). Prosthetic reconstruction was rigid (polypropylene mesh/methylmethacrylate composite) in 112 (42.7%), nonrigid (polytetrafluoroethylene or polypropylene mesh) in 97 (37%), and none in 53 patients. Postoperatively, 10 patients died (3.8%), 4 of whom had pneumonectomy plus chest wall resection. Respiratory failure occurred in 8 patients (3.1%). By multivariate analysis, the size of the chest wall defect was the most significant predictor of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our incidence of respiratory failure is lower than previously reported and may relate to our use of rigid repair for defects likely to cause a flail segment. Pneumonectomy plus chest wall resection should be performed only in highly selected patients.

Osteosarcoma of rib in a seven-year-old child: a case report

Primary tumours of ribs are relatively uncommon in adults and are even rarer in children. (William in Am Surg June: 338-342, 1972; Eskenasy in Rev Roum Morph Embryol Physio 1:35-50, 1985) Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and young adults. (Whelan in Eur J Can 33(10):1611-1619, 1997) Very few cases of osteosacoma of the rib have been described in literature. We report a 7-year-old girl with primary osteosarcoma of the rib which was managed by wide excision followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. She is disease free after 12 months of follow-up. We believe our case to be the youngest with primary osteosarcoma of the rib. Primary osteosarcoma of the rib should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a child with rib swelling. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the outcome.

Soft-Tissue Sarcomas of the Chest Wall

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors that are predictive of outcome for patients with chest wall soft-tissue sarcomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 55 surgically treated patients, from March 1964 to October 1996.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 47.5 years (age range, 15 to 76.3 years), and 56.4% were men. The most common presenting symptom was chest wall mass in 29 patients (52.7%). The median symptom duration was 12 months. Tumor size ranged from 1 to 26 cm (median size, 9.7 cm). The most common histologic type of tumor was fibrosarcoma (52.7%). Twenty-three sarcomas (41.8%) were high-grade, and 32 sarcomas (52.8%) were low-grade. Of the 55 patients, 27 (49.1%) had previously been treated elsewhere (surgical resection, 23 patients; radiation therapy and surgery, 3 patients; chemoradiation therapy, 1 patient). Previously treated patients presented either with residual disease (10 cases) or recurrence of disease (17 cases). All 55 patients underwent surgical resection, 15 patients (27.3%) were treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy, and 2 patients were treated by adjuvant radiotherapy. Wide surgical resection was performed in 45 patients (81.8%), and marginal resection was performed in 10 patients (18.2%). The median follow-up time was 51.9 months. Local recurrence of disease developed in 6 patients, and metastases developed in 10 patients. The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 87.3% and 79.3%, respectively. Tumor size < 5 cm and low histologic grade were determinants of better survival at univariate analyses. Multivariate analyses disclosed only histologic grade as an independent predictor for the risk of death. Disease-free survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 75.3% and 64.2%, respectively. Tumor size < 5 cm, performance of wide surgical resection, and low histologic grade were determinants of a better disease-free survival rate. Independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival were histologic grade and type of surgical resection.

CONCLUSION

The clinical behavior of chest wall soft-tissue sarcomas is similar to that of extremity sarcomas. Thoracic wall soft-tissue sarcomas are best controlled by wide surgical resection.

Chondrosarcoma of the chest wall: a retrospective clinical analysis

Primary chondrosarcoma of the chest wall is uncommon, and reports of treatment from one institution are limited. Treatment of this lesion is difficult because of the anatomic location, which is in close proximity to surrounding neurovascular and visceral structures. The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of surgical resection of chondrosarcoma of the chest wall, and to delineate the prognostic factors related to local recurrence and survival. Twenty-four patients with chondrosarcoma of the chest wall were treated at our institution between 1986 and 2000. There were 14 males and 10 females, with an average age of 54 years (range, 11-76 years). Patients were observed for a minimum of 3 years or until death. The median followup was 71 months. The anatomic locations of chondrosarcoma of the chest wall were the rib in 16 patients, the ribs and sternum in two patients, the ribs and spine in three patients, and the sternum only in three patients. Histologically, 17 patients had Grade 1 disease and seven patients had Grade 2 disease. At followup, 17 patients were alive without disease, two were alive with disease, two died without disease, and three died secondary to progressive disease. The overall survival estimate at 5 years was 92%. The recurrence rate for patients with adequate surgical margins was 10%, compared with 75% for patients with inadequate margins. The 5-year survival rate for patients with adequate surgical margins was 100%, compared with 50% in patients with inadequate surgical margins. An inadequate margin of resection was associated with a significantly worse overall survival and a higher chance of having local recurrence develop.

Osteosarcoma of the rib

Primary osteosarcomas arising from the rib are very rare. The authors report an 11-year-old boy with a primary fibroblastic osteosarcoma of the rib, who underwent wide excision and reconstruction of the chest wall followed by chemotherapy. He is disease free after a follow up of 24 months. The relevant literature is reviewed briefly.

Microvascular reconstructions of full-thickness oncological chest wall defects

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the suitability of microvascular flaps for the reconstruction of extensive full-thickness defects of the chest wall.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Chest wall defects are conventionally reconstructed with pedicular musculocutaneous flaps or the omentum. Sometimes, however, these flaps have already been used, are not reliable due to previous operations or radiotherapy, or are of inadequate size. In such cases, microvascular flaps offer the only option for reconstruction.

METHODS

From 1988 to 2001, 26 patients with full-thickness resections of the chest wall underwent reconstruction with microvascular flaps. There were 8 soft tissue sarcomas, 8 recurrent breast cancers, 5 chondrosarcomas, 2 desmoid tumors, 1 large cell pulmonary cancer metastasis, 1 renal cancer metastasis, and 1 bronchopleural fistula. The surgery comprised 5 extended forequarter amputations, 5 lateral resections, 8 thoracoabdominal resections, and 8 sternal resections. The mean diameter of a resection was 28 cm. The soft tissue defect was reconstructed with 16 tensor fasciae latae, 5 tensor fascia latae combined with rectus femoris, and 3 transversus rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps. In 2 patients with a forequarter amputation, the remnant forearm was used as the osteomusculocutaneous free flap.

RESULTS

There were no flap losses or perioperative mortality. Four patients needed tracheostomy owing to prolonged respiratory difficulties. The mean survival time for patients with sarcomas was 39 months and for those with recurrent breast cancer 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive chest wall resections are possible with acceptable results. In patients with breast cancer, the surgery may offer valuable palliation and in those with sarcomas it can be curative.

[Complete chest wall reconstruction after en bloc excisions with Gore-Tex/Marlex/Flap sandwich. A retrospective study of 14 cases]

To assess the results of surgical resection and chest wall reconstruction we reviewed our experience with the complete chest wall reconstruction after en bloc excisions according to an original algorithm based on the location of the thoracic defect. The 14 reconstructions were performed by the senior author. We found 5 central, 6 lateral and 3 borders locations. In the central locations with a total resection of the sternum the reconstruction was realized by Gore-tex's mesh in depth, metal hooks (staples) and Marlex's mesh under a musculocutaneous flap of coverage. In case of lateral location the reconstruction was realized by Gore-tex's mesh covered with a musculocutaneous flap, the borders locations were reconstructed by Marlex's mesh and flap of coverage. The histological diagnoses were: one desmoid tumor, eight sarcomas, a recurrence of hepatocarcinoma and four recurrences of breast cancer. The superficial coverage performed by latissimus dorsis flap 12 for cases and rectus abdominis flap for two cases. All the patients were able to produce a spontaneous breath after surgery. Two deaths at distance and an infection were to regret. On the whole the algorithm of reconstruction according to the location of the defect allows a simplification of the indications.

Primary Neoplasm of the Chest Wall: Surgical Management

From January 1986 to December 1997, 17 patients (12 males and 5 females) aged 13 to 70 years were treated for primary neoplasms of the chest wall. There were 4 cases of fibrous dysplasia, 3 each of chondrosarcoma and Askin's tumor, 2 of plasmacytoma, and 1 each of fibrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and enchondroma. All patients, except the case of Ewing's sarcoma, underwent wide excision or debulking for unresectable tumor, and reconstruction of the chest wall. Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 1 patient with osteosarcoma, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were given to 2 others. In 8 patients, the skeletal defect was reconstructed with prosthetic material. Soft tissue reconstructive procedures with various myocutaneous flaps were performed in 6 patients. None of the patients required mechanical ventilation postoperatively. There were 2 early deaths. During follow-up of 3 months to 10 years, all patients with benign tumors were free of recurrence, 2 with Askin's tumors and 1 with osteosarcoma died. Prefabricated acrylic ribs are recommended for skeletal support during chest wall reconstruction.

Functional assessment of chest wall integrity after methylmethacrylate reconstruction

BACKGROUND

All patients with extensive resection of the anterolateral chest wall and the sternum followed by reconstruction with methylmethacrylate substitutes were assessed prospectively 6 months after the operation to delineate chest wall integrity with pulmonary function and cine-magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients underwent chest wall reconstruction by use of methylmethacrylate between 1994 and 1998 due to primary tumors in 35%, metastases in 27%, T3 lung cancer in 19%, and debridement for radionecrosis and osteomyelitis in 19% of patients. Three to eight ribs were resected and additional sternum resection was performed in 39% of patients.

RESULTS

There was no 30-day mortality. All patients were extubated after the operation without need for reintubation. Prosthesis dislocation occurred in 1 patient and infection in 2 patients during follow-up. Nineteen patients (73%) suffered no restrictions of daily activities. Clinical examination revealed normal shoulder girdle function in 77% of patients. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) measurements in patients with lobectomy or wedge resections. Cinemagnetic resonance imaging revealed concordant chest wall movements during respiration in 92% of patients without paradoxical movements or implant dislocations being observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Large defects of the anterolateral chest wall and sternum can be reconstructed efficiently with methylmethacrylate substitutes with minimal morbidity and excellent cosmetic and functional outcome.

Chest wall parachordoma

A 21-year-old woman with a painful chest wall mass was found to have a parachordoma (PC). The tumor arose from the fifth intercostal space. A wide chest wall resection including the tumor and a 2.5 cm free margin and the subsequent reconstruction with a Gore-Tex soft tissue patch covered with a latissimus dorsi rotational flap was performed. To our knowledge, chest wall parachordoma has not been previously reported in the medical literature.

Chest Wall Tumors

We reviewed 94 consecutive patients who underwent resection of soft tissue or bone tumors of the chest wall between September 1989 and December 1996. There were 3 females and 91 males ranging in age from 12 to 69 years (median, 22.85 years); 16 had a primary malignant tumor, 11 had a metastatic tumor, and 67 had a benign tumor. Sixty-four patients underwent resection of the chest wall skeleton. Overlying soft tissue was resected en bloc in 15 patients. Chest wall defects were not reconstructed with prosthetic material or autogenous grafts because the defects were not large. Soft tissue reconstructive procedures were predominantly muscle transposition. There were no early postoperative complications and the median hospitalization was 14.2 days (range, 6 to 47 days). Follow-up was complete in all patients and ranged from 2 to 36 months (median, 24.5 months). All patients with benign tumors are currently alive. Recurrent chest wall tumors developed in 5 patients and they underwent a second operation. Nine patients died from distant metastases. There were no early or late deaths related to either resection or reconstruction of the chest wall. We conclude that wide or adequate chest wall resection, depending on histopathologic type of tumor, is the key to successful management of chest wall tumors. In general, this procedure can be performed in one operation with a short hospital stay and low operative mortality.