Introduction to Chest Wall Reconstruction: Anatomy and Physiology of the Chest and Indications for Chest Wall Reconstruction

Mark W Clemens; Karen K Evans; Samir Mardini; Phillip G Arnold

doi:10.1055/s-0031-1275166

Seminars in Plastic Surgery, Table of Contents

Semin Plast Surg 2011; 25(1): 005-015
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1275166

Introduction to Chest Wall Reconstruction: Anatomy and Physiology of the Chest and Indications for Chest Wall Reconstruction

Mark W. Clemens¹ , Karen K. Evans² , Samir Mardini³ , Phillip G. Arnold³

¹Department of Plastic Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
²Division of Plastic Surgery, Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
³Department of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The chest wall functions as a protective cage around the vital organs of the body, and significant disruption of its structure can have dire respiratory and circulatory consequences. The past several decades have seen a marked improvement in the management and reconstruction of complex chest wall defects. Widespread acceptance of muscle and musculocutaneous flaps such as the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis has led to a sharp decrease in infections and mortality. Successful reconstructions are dependent upon a detailed knowledge of the functional anatomy and blood supply of the chest and the underlying pathophysiology of a particular disease process. This article will provide an overview of key principles and evidence-based approaches to chest wall reconstruction.

KEYWORDS

Chest wall reconstruction

Full Text

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Karen K EvansM.D.

Division of Plastic Surgery, Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center

50 Irving Street, Washington, DC 20422

Email: karenkim90@hotmail.com

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