Reconstruction of the Thoracic Wall With Biologic Mesh After Resection for Chest Wall Tumors: A Presentation of a Case Series and Original Technique

Introduction. Synthetic materials have traditionally been used for tissue reconstruction in thoracic surgery. New biomaterials have been tested in other areas of surgery with good results. Non–cross-linked swine dermal collagen prosthesis has been used to reconstruct musculofascial defects in the trunk with low infection and herniation rate. Material and Methods. Retrospectively, we analyze our initial experience of chest wall reconstruction on large defects using a non–cross-linked swine dermal collagen matrix mesh with a thickness of 1.4 mm. A total of 11 consecutive patients were included. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were taken into consideration. Results. Eleven sarcoma patients with a mean age of 58.25 ± 12.9 years underwent chest wall resections. Complete thoracic wall defects ranged from 6 · 9 to 16 · 25 cm in size. In all cases, we used a porcine collagen matrix mesh, and in all patients, it was covered by transposition of myocutaneous flap. The complications occurred in 5 (45%) patients, 1 (9%) pneumonia, 1 atrial fibrillation (9%), and 3 (27%) wound healing difficulty because of hematoma or infection. There was no respiratory impairment, and the pulmonary function (total lung capacity, vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second) was not statistically different before and after surgery. The 30-day mortality was 0%, 1-year mortality and 2-year mortality was 27.2%. The collagen material resulted in a durable and good to excellent chest wall stability in clinical follow-ups, and on computer tomography scans spanning over 2 years. Conclusion. Non–cross-linked acellular porcine dermal collagen matrix is a feasible and reliable biological patch material for reconstruction of the thoracic wall. Excellent wound healing, long-term stability, low complication, and good pulmonary function are achieved even in large defects.