Chest Wall Reconstruction

This chapter summarizes the various surgical treatment options that can be used to restore the integrity of the chest wall after trauma or tumor resection and to assist with wound healing problems associated with infection and radiation therapy. Emphasis is placed on several considerations for patients undergoing chest wall reconstruction. The authors discuss the indications, contraindications, limitations, surgical anatomy, and technique of each flap type and the effective postoperative care and rehabilitation needed in order to prevent postoperative pulmonary problems. This chapter reviews some of the commonly used flaps for chest wall reconstruction. These flaps include the latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, and pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps and the omental flap.