The common indications for chest wall reconstruction include tumor, infection, congenital abnormalities, radiation injury, and trauma. The goals of successful reconstruction are to restore the chest wall rigidity, preserve pulmonary mechanics, protect intrathoracic organs, minimise the thoracic deformity. Large defects need synthetic, biologic or composite mesh reinforced by direct suture or flaps.

In last 10 years we have done 26 cases of chest wall tumor, of these 17 patients required reconstruction. We resected the tumor with margins as per oncological guidelines. To cover the defect Prolene mesh was used reinforced by muscle or myocutaneous flap. In our technique of reconstruction, we made a rim at resected margin to put the mesh. Preparation of rim around the margins taking all available tissue is of utmost importance. An average number of ribs resected were 3 per patient. All patients operated had uneventful recovery.

Keywords: chest wall tumor, Rim, Prolene mesh.

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Dr Nidhi Rai

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