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The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 31, 45-52, Copyright © 1981 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

ARTICLES

New trends in skeletal reconstruction after resection of chest wall tumors

P McCormack, MS Bains, EJ Beattie Jr and N Martini

Involvement of the chest wall in malignant tumors, either primary or resulting from contiguous or metastatic spread, occurs in less than 5% of thoracic malignancies. From 1963 through 1978, 155 patients had chest wall resection in continuity with the tumor. Eighty-five tumors were carcinomas, and 70 were sarcomas. Since 1973 reconstruction of chest wall defects in 12 patients has included the use of a composite of Marlex mesh and methyl methacrylate. It provides an excellent replacement both physiologically and esthetically. Such a reconstructed chest wall has obviated the need for postoperative respiratory support. The overall mortality was 4.5% (7 out of 155). The 5-year survival in this varied group of patients is 20%. We believe excellent palliation can be achieved even in patients who are not potentially curable.